Beautiful Remains

From 1913 to 1971, over 5 thousand mentally ill patients were cremated on the grounds of Oregon State Hospital, where "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was filmed.
The remains were sealed in copper canisters that were stored in a basement vault. Virtually forgotten,they endured years of flooding. Photographer David Maisel learned of their existence, and photographed many of them in his studio. It may seem grim, but the canisters have all emitted an otherworldly, extraordinary glow of beautiful colors.