Viva La Memento Mori: A reminder of life and mortality
Location: AHA Fine Art Gallery in Bushwick, 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY Exhibition on View: October 15 - November 7, 2021 Opening Reception: Friday, October 15th, 6-9PM Date for Artist Talk: TBD
Curated by Alexis Mendoza
Description of Exhibition:
Centuries before #YOLO (You only live once), artists frequently evoked the transience of life for viewers, directing us to consider our own mortality. In doing so, they used memento mori: art reminiscent of the inevitability of death, forcing viewers of these symbolic artworks to reflect on their own lives. Viva La Memento Mori will reveal the unique and introspective techniques artists implement to engage with themes contemplating both life and death. The exhibition’s intention is to bring into focus the value of our lives as individuals experiencing a time of unimaginable loss, encouraging a moment to reflect and document everything this recent period of uncertainty has brought into our lives. The open call will serve both to document these memories and also allow artists to express a vision at times challenging, even dark.
This exhibition will investigate the many ways in which artists have interpreted human mortality, and how the tradition of the memento mori continues to inspire contemporary artists to this day. By creating a dialogue which investigates the ephemeral nature of life, we can embrace an awareness of impermanence that heightens our appreciation of the present moment. Yet while the symbols present in these types of images relate to the natural world, the unsettling feeling that lingers long after in the mind’s eye marks the true power of art to hint at what lies beyond the grave.
Status: Built
Location: AHA Fine Art Gallery in Bushwick, 56 Bogart Street, Brooklyn, NY
My Role: Artist
