Memento Mori Series

2021, Oil paint on canvas, all sold.

Statement: “I enjoy pondering the inevitability of death and the rate at which organic matter decomposes. By pairing old human skulls, referenced from photos taken in the Paris catacombs, with fresh foodstuffs that will decompose much faster, I am reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of life. I take this from Memento Mori Dutch still life paintings from the 18th century, which sought to remind humans of their mortality by combining pointedly-chosen objects (orange peels, oysters in their shells, clocks, complex glassware, bugs, shells, skulls, etc.) together in front of dark backgrounds. These paintings were strikingly realistic, and in studying them and creating my own versions, I enjoyed messing with the reality of depth and space. My environments vibrate intentionally with color and confusing atmosphere.”