Memento Mori

A memento mori is an artwork intended to prompt the viewer to reflect on their own mortality and the brief, delicate nature of human existence.

Memento Mori, translated as ‘Remember you must die’, serves as a reminder not to dwell in morbidity or fear, but rather to inspire, propel, and bring clarity. This concept has held significance in various fields such as art, philosophy, literature, architecture, and more throughout history.

In a basic memento mori painting, you might encounter a portrait featuring a skull, while other symbols often included are hourglasses or clocks, extinguished or dwindling candles, fruits, and flowers. The vanitas still life is closely related to the memento mori picture.

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Oranges

Nikki Maloof injects vibrating visual patterns into her charming yet macabre domestic scene, Oranges. The artist has a tongue in cheek approach to memento mori – a traditional motif in still life that symbolises mortality.The original large scale artwork has been reprised as a multi layered print. Each unique edition is finished with hand collaged fish, gouache and coloured pencil to blend her collaging language with the print."I never go overboard on being precise. I think it's what makes my form of patterning feel like my own."

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We collaborate with artists to create both limited editions and works on paper.

A limited edition is a set number of similar or identical artworks. The size of the edition denotes the total number of artworks that will ever be made, underscoring their value.

Framing options vary for each piece and are listed on the individual artwork pages. Our standard glazing offer is a minimum 90% UV acrylic plexiglass, or you can upgrade to an anti reflective Optium museum plexiglass.

Yes, 100%. We work directly with our artists to create editions that accurately represent their body of work. Additionally, every artist personally reviews and approves their final editions.

Every artwork is signed or stamped, and individually numbered. You will also receive a stamped and numbered certificate of authenticity.

No—the copyright is not transferred to the purchaser of the edition.

All the ins and outs can be found on our orders and shipping page.

Parra's studio, with Parra at the centre, his back to the camera as he works on the large painting takes centre stage, showing a faceless blue woman in a striped dress, painted in red, purple, blue and teal. The studio is full of brightly coloured paints, with a large window on the right and a patterned rug across the floor under the painting.