Memento Mori I and II

Single-channel digital installation projected into hotel ballroom (approx 1m x 2.5m) and meeting room (approx 0.75m x 1.8m). For our throwaway times, I created a series of animated images that reference the traditional Memento Mori and Vanitas. Photographic imagery connected to these traditions (an animal skull, flowers, books) appear and move slowly within the oval shaped projection, alongside some of the accoutrements of modern living, like mobile phones, social media icons and anti-wrinkle creams. ‘Momento Mori’ is an exploration of the idea of memory, mortality and loss that I began in previous work, The Twelve Trees. Memento Mori is a Latin term that in English means, “Remember you must die.” This reminder of mortality is not meant to be morbid or make people fearful, but to inspire and motivate people to make the best of their lives. The idea has been a central theme in art, philosophy, literature and architecture throughout history. Related to Memento Mori, Vanitas is a still life tradition of painting that also reminds us of the vanity (as in ultimate worthlessness) of worldly pleasures and goods.