A museum in Seattle has been criticised over a Nirvana exhibition which states that Kurt Cobain “un-alived himself”.
- Read More: Krist Novoselic on 30 years of ‘In Utero’ and using AI to restore Nirvana music
Cobain lost his life to suicide on April 4, 1994. He was 27 years old.
According to photos posted online from the Museum of Pop Culture exhibit, a placard states that “Kurt Cobain un-alived himself at 27” before it goes on to explain that a host of other artists of the same age also died under tragic circumstances including Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.
Another placard also explained the use of the term “un-alive”, stating: “In the digital age, social media influences how online communities engage in discussions, particularly around sensitive topics like mental health.
There’s a placard next to it that talks about the social context of “unalive” in how people talk about mental health but this is still stupid pic.twitter.com/iKA30ECUW7
— ブランドン (@burandon_sama) August 9, 2024
“One example is the term ‘unalive’, which has emerged online to describe death by suicide or homicide. Users on social media platforms created this term to navigate around algorithms that censor content related to mental health and explicit topics. ‘Unalive’ has sparked constructive conversations, especially among young people, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide.
“In this exhibition, the Guest Curator has chosen to utilise the term ‘unalive’ as a gesture of respect towards those who have tragically lost their lives due to mental health struggles. By bringing awareness to this language, we aim to foster meaningful dialogue and raise awareness about the complexities of mental health and language in our society.”
It has led to criticism on social media with one user drawing comparisons to George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984.
Another drew attention to the placard explaining the term “un-alive” and added: “There’s a placard next to it that talks about the social context of “unalive” in how people talk about mental health but this is still stupid.”
One user also wrote: “Unalived” “27 Club” LMFAO you are a museum, you can use real words and phrases, it’s completely ok lmaooo.” You can see further responses below.
NME has contacted the Museum of Pop Culture for comment.
this is what george orwell was warning us about with 1984 pic.twitter.com/rAqL3HFJke
— Evil gang (@srogipierd) August 9, 2024
There’s a placard next to it that talks about the social context of “unalive” in how people talk about mental health but this is still stupid pic.twitter.com/iKA30ECUW7
— ブランドン (@burandon_sama) August 9, 2024
“Unalived” “27 Club” LMFAO you are a museum, you can use real words and phrases, it’s completely ok lmaooo
— Mckinley Bethel (@mckinley_bethel) August 9, 2024
This is so un-serious and un-respectful
— Kaye (@livkayeOF) August 9, 2024
I’m going to act like I didn’t see this because it’s so awful
— Julieth (@maldita_meg) August 9, 2024
Meanwhile, former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic’s new band The Bona Fide Band recently played Nirvana’s debut single ‘Love Buzz’ in Cobain’s hometown n Aberdeen, Washington.
Last year, Novoselic told NME about the chances of a reunion from the surviving Nirvana members in the future.
“I’d like to,” he said. “There was a time after Kurt died when I said to myself, ‘I’m never going to play these songs again’. That was part of the grief I went through. We don’t want to overdo it, we try to make it special and be grateful.
“When the opportunity comes, we do it if it feels right. In the meantime, we just remember Kurt and do our thing.”