Unveiling the Memento Mori Art Journey: From Turmoil to Resilience
Looking back on the past three years, I recall my darkest times when the demands of life seemed to diminish my time. The arrival of the pandemic coincided with the birth of our child, prompting me to prioritize parenthood while working late into the night. The transition to nocturnal hours was far from easy, taking a toll on me physically and mentally. Depressive thoughts and overwhelming emotions began to consume me. However, amidst this turmoil, I found solace in my art—a means of escape and catharsis. Each day, I would create without judgment, focusing on the release rather than the outcome. This practice proved helpful over the course of several months.
Eventually, a glimmer of hope emerged after three years. My son began school, and my wife’s work contract concluded. Determined to persevere, I resolved to invest in art in any form and forge a path forward. Speaking of hardships and artistic endeavors, in recent months I have experienced several sales on the “OBJKT” platform ($XTZ). Notably, my earlier works from 2022, titled “MOMENTO MORI AND CARPE DIEM,” have garnered significant attention in secondary transactions. Let’s delve into and discuss these works further.
Navigating the Inevitable : Embracing Life’s Transience through Memento Mori Art”
The concept behind “MOMENTO MORI AND CARPE DIEM” revolves around the inevitability of uncertainty in human life. Uncertainty often breeds doubt, as noted by the philosopher Heidegger. One certainty we face is aging and mortality. Memento mori, Latin for “remember death,” serves as a reminder of life’s brevity and transience. It urges us to appreciate the present moment and hold minimal trust in the future (carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero). Life possesses meaning and significance, and we should cherish the lives around us.
The theme of momento mori, or remembering death, has pervaded the thoughts of philosophers and thinkers throughout history, particularly during the classical era. Plato recounted the death of his mentor Socrates, who perished from drinking poison. Democritus, a solitary figure, often visited graves to contemplate the meaning of death. Classical Stoic thinkers like Seneca advocated for contemplation on death, as did Epictetus, who advised disciples to remember the impermanence of loved ones while embracing life. Such philosophies have inspired countless artists to explore this theme, manifesting in dark carvings and paintings within European churches.
Moreover, in Mexico, the “Dia De Muertos” festival commemorates the departed through vibrant celebrations. In Asia, various cultures observe days where families gather to visit graves and make pilgrimages. For instance, China observes the “Qing Ming” or “Cheng Beng” ritual, where individuals return to their ancestral hometowns to clean the graves of their parents. Each culture brings forth unique stories and philosophies tied to their respective practices.
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Beyond cultural traditions, death imparts valuable lessons. Contemplating mortality allows us to appreciate life more fully, reminding us that nothing lasts forever except for the memories we create. It encourages us to respect and cherish our loved ones as we do ourselves. Our actions, both good and bad, pale in comparison to the value of our current lives. Therefore, let us seize the day (carpe diem) and make the most of our time. Appreciate the present moment optimally.