Mortality

Mortality – A collection inspired by the classics from Baroque and Renaissance, from demons to anatomy studies.

 

I have always been fascinated by macabre art and all its meanings, both aesthetically and in terms of symbols. Thus, the starting point in the creation of the Mortality collection was the work of some remarkable artists from literature (Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen King) and art (The Dance of Death by Michael Wolgemut, but also the works of painter Chris Peters or 3D artist Billelis). In fact, the contest organized by Billelis gave me the opportunity to delve into the exploration of this aesthetic, thus creating the first work in the Mortality series, which I titled Ephemeral.

 

Closely related to the status of ephemerality are the Vanitas still life paintings, which were a major source of inspiration for me, exploiting themes such as the temporality of the human being, the inevitability of death and the vanity of earthly achievements or pleasures. In my own works, they are brought to light through symbolic objects (human figures, skulls, flowers, butterflies, candles), which contrast with the elements and ornaments of gold, symbols of wealth, but also with those of power, represented by knives, swords or weapons.

 

From a chromatic point of view, the Mortality collection is represented by the gold-emerald green contrast, which offers a dramatic and luxurious feel. This combination of colors emphasizes, again, the ephemerality and the inevitable passage of time, reminiscent of the natural process of oxidation of copper, which gives a special color to the affected objects.

At the same time, this contrast is often found in some of the most famous works of art of the Italian Renaissance, such as The Birth of Venus by Sandro Boticelli, The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo or Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci.

Regarding the compositional elements used in the works in the Mortality series, you can see Baroque and Rococo-inspired ornaments, represented by arabesques, friezes and garlands. Through the circular array technique, certain elements and patterns are repeated to form a circle, a symbol of infinity and divinity.

 

Human figures and representations of organs (heart, eyes, brain) are alternated with skulls and elements of the skeletal system. These were outlined by a careful analysis and research of the anatomical drawings and studies made by Leonardo Da Vinci. The goal was to combine the most accurate visual representation from the anatomical point of view and the symbolism behind the elements: the heart – the opposite of reason (think / act with your heart), the eye – the gateway to the soul and the brain – the symbol of knowledge and evolution.

 

All in all, the Mortality collection aims to arouse in the viewer a moment of catharsis, a purification of the emotions through art. As Aristotle states, the purpose of tragedy, which often deals with the subject of man's role in the universe by presenting painful events, is to awake terror and pity and therefore to cause catharsis, the numbing of these emotions.