"Absence Never Filled" captures the profound grief and the enduring emptiness of a loss that cannot be replaced. Michael Arad, the architect behind the 9/11 Memorial's Reflecting Absence design, described it as "absence made visible," an eloquent expression of the void left behind by tragedy.
In July 2024, I visited the 9/11 Memorial for the fourth time. As I stood by the south pool, I couldn't help but reflect on the pools' endless cycle of water—no matter how much flows into them, they never reach the brim. It's a poignant reminder that the immense loss endured can never truly be filled. Arad and landscape architect Peter Walker's design is a remarkable tribute to those lost, yet it evokes differing emotions in many. For some, the Memorial offers a sense of closure, while for others, it perpetuates the memory of the tragedy.
As a native New Yorker and one who lost a fellow service member (also a NYC police officer), I find myself caught between these sentiments. When I visit the Memorial, I honor the fallen, but I can't help but leave with a deep sadness that lingers, knowing that this tragedy could have, in some ways, been prevented.
This photograph captures the south pool, with the Brookfield Place building in the background. In contrast, the north pool was drained for maintenance during my visit in July 2024. Witnessing the emptiness of the north pool was a stark reminder of the absence that is always present, a visible reflection of the loss we still feel.
Absence Never Filled
We recommend adding a mounting option of your choosing so you can easily showcase your print. Our display options for the wall include a black shadow mount (sizes 5x7 to 12x18 inches) and a floating mount hanger (sizes 11x14 to 24 x36 inches). We also offer a table display metal easel option (sizes 4x4 to 12x12 inches). You can still display the print if you decide not to add a mount by using your easel, placing it on a shelf, or attaching it directly to a surface with adhesive or double-sided tape.