The Memento Mori is a Medieval Latin Christian philosophy that encourages reflection on mortality, on the inevitability of death and the transience of mortal pleasures and accomplishments. The reflections are typically expressed through the still life, incorporating the human skull with various symbols of time and decay. Contemporary artists continue to explore this tradition with similar imagery. Organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art, Undying Traditions: Memento Mori brings together artists from across the United States currently exploring themes of death and earthly pleasure. From intricate painting to sculpture, these artists offer us insights into our collective fascination with death.
How we perceive and interact with the natural landscape informs the prints and paintings of Bill Hosterman and Ed Wong-Ligda. Hosterman’s twisting, fantastical landscapes are entwined with lush vegetation, jagged rock faces, birds, boats, and forests, representing his thoughts on human form and desires, and how both directly affect the land. For Wong-Ligda, landscape elements become characters in a theatrical drama, as he explores the choreography and pacing of their visual interactions in dreamlike expanses. Combined, the artworks of these artists offer an invitation to consider the classical landscape in new ways.
Shop local this holiday season! We’ll be open late during the White Lake Holiday Walk. Stop in and shop handmade goods created by local artists.