Temporary Container is a photo series, captured by American photographer Abbey Hepner, that examines the practice of scattering a deceased person's ashes. The photos depict some of the most popular locations in North America for the scattering of ashes, a practice that has become more commonplace with the rise in popularity of cremation. The places include Disneyland, Yellowstone National Park, Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon.
The places captured in Temporary Container usually had a profound impact on the deceased or their family members. Unsurprisingly, many of the locations are scenic and filled with natural beauty. This may give them the appeal of being 'natural' sites in which to scatter one's ashes.
Interestingly, there is no official registry that creates an archive of where people scatter ashes, so Hebner's photo series is also something of a research project that explores the importance of these places.
Ash-Scattering Site Photos
'Temporary Container' Captures Sites Where Ash is Scattered
Trend Themes
1. Growing Popularity of Cremation - Opportunity for businesses to offer innovative cremation services or products that cater to the increasing number of people choosing cremation over traditional burials.
2. Emergence of Ash-scattering Tourism - Potential for the development of travel and tourism offerings that specialize in organizing and facilitating ash-scattering ceremonies at popular scenic locations around the world.
3. Demand for Ash-scattering Memorabilia - Disruptive innovation opportunities exist for businesses to create unique and personalized products or services that allow individuals to commemorate the scattering of ashes at meaningful locations.
Industry Implications
1. Cremation Services - Innovations in technology, processes, and experiences within the cremation industry to meet the growing demand and preferences of individuals opting for cremation as an end-of-life choice.
2. Travel and Tourism - Businesses operating in the travel and tourism industry can explore niche markets by catering to the needs and desires of individuals seeking unique ash-scattering experiences and memorial trips.
3. Memorabilia and Keepsakes - Opportunity for businesses to create and offer customized products, such as jewelry, artwork, or commemorative items, that help individuals preserve the memories and emotions associated with scattering ashes at significant locations.