Momento mori

$620 NZ

Medium: Acrylics, gold leaf on canvas

Size: 620mm W x 605mm H

Memento mori, roughly translates as “remember you will die”. It is not meant to be morbid or depressing but rather, to keep you focused on what matters most instead of trivialities.  

This work was inspired by the coming of Easter.  Christ’s crucifixion touches us in many ways, from accumulated experiences handed down to us, or what we read, or even not at all (which is itself, a reaction of sorts).  

The abstract depiction shows the cross, the spirit of Mary’s grief (bottom right) as it evolves into grace as she witnesses her Son’s death.  God his Father is behind the golden door ready to receive him.  The skull image reminds us we are all mortal.

The paint colours were also chosen to convey the message … Phthalo blue gives it an electric evening light, the burnt umber, the shadows moving around the crucifixion with the Cross standing out in Titanium white.

View at DeLuca Cafe, Rust Avenue, Whangarei from 25 March 2025

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