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Guest Essay

By Sarah Wildman

Ms. Wildman is an editor and writer in Opinion.

The weary griever is used to the expression “I can’t imagine.” It is an expression of distance, and of pity. It is a declaration of separation, an implication of difference and a means of personal reassurance. “I can’t imagine your pain” is a personal promise: I won’t do it, I can’t face it, I’ll never have to. Thank God it’s you, not me. Phew.

And yet some of the best art is art........

© The New York Times