Wolfgang Laib, German artist. Trained as a medical doctor, Laib's working experience in hospitals has opened up his very own perspective to life and death. Watch this self-explanatory video in which Laib talks about his artwork Pollen from Hazelnut. Amazing dedication and persistence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-_92MYcANk
Also worth knowing is Thai Artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook and her famous artworks which celebrate the dignity of death:
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/artists/bios/11632/Araya%20Rasdjarmrearnsook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-_92MYcANk
Also worth knowing is Thai Artist Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook and her famous artworks which celebrate the dignity of death:
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/artists/bios/11632/Araya%20Rasdjarmrearnsook