Memento Mori interpretations

Memento mori is a philosophical reminder of human's mortal nature. In the field of art, memento mori refers to the tradition of producing a work of art designed to remind people that they are mortal. The message that is intended to be conveyed to people is given in or as works, including images, texts and performances, that lead the viewer towards the consciousness of one's ultimate death, that are suggestive. In the history of art and culture, memento mori is particularly common in medieval folk culture and in well-known Dutch vanitas paintings of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, memento mori extends beyond these points, both artistically and culturally. In contemporary culture and art, memento mori continues to exist prominently. Making use of the memetic power of the memento mori tradition, the artists not only confront their own mortality and confront the audience, but also display a memory-based critical attitude and make social inquiries over this powerful theme.