Living with Dying began when I started photographing Duncan over a decade ago. At the time he was HIV positive. I photographed him at home and in an hospice. I spent time in his space. Often I would stay for several hours. Sometimes I would leave when he was sleeping.
On occasion he would tell me that he wanted to die. He often talked about his achievements as a football coach. He mentioned a wife, children, an autobiographical book that he wanted to write.
He had to take a lot of different types of medication throughout the day. He drank strong lager. He would drift in and out of sleep.
He was resilient. His health would take a hammering from the medication, alcohol and smoking. He would end up in the hospice. He would return home healthier. The process continued in this manner.
I lost him many years ago so the project ended. I don't know where he is.
The photographs were shot on a Canon EOS camera using black and white film. All shots were hand held and shot in available light. I didn't move anything or pose any of the images. I remained a quiet presence.
All photographs © Bip Mistry 2002-12
All photographs © Bip Mistry 2002-12
