To The Bone Series

My current series, “To the Bone”, stems from the concept of ‘moments moris’- the symbol representing the inevitability of death, expressed through objects which emphasise the worthlessness of worldly materials and indulgences, reminding one of the inevitabilities of death. I am shifting the emphasis of ‘momento mori’ to one that is celebrating life from the vantage point of death.  

The series is a collection of bone still-life paintings that capture skeletons in colour. It is meant to denote feelings of life and celebration in order to over-power the eeriness and sadness of death portrayed through the bones. The colours I use are vibrant and powerful, emphasising this idea of celebration of the life motored by these bones rather than the sadness that follows death. Although of course the tragedy and sadness of death are inevitable, still I want to celebrate the years one lives and emphasise the value of life. 

I am inspired by how different cultures celebrate and commemorate one's life after their passing, in particular New Orleans’ second line funerals and Mexico’s Day of the Dead where death is commemorated through joy, colour and festivity. A skeleton feels very appropriate as it is the last part to remain of a human being once they pass. It is also the core structural frame of the body that allows us to move and live, yet it is so unappreciated as we never see it. These bones are imprecise as I am not focusing on the medical side and because no one’s skeletons are the same, meaning they can belong to anyone. Colours create a particular psychological and emotional response, therefore I am playing with these reactions in my work. I am curious about people’s reactions to the idea of celebration through colours.