My theme for this project was Memento Mori. Because Memento Mori has been extensively explored by other artists it was hard for not to feel like i was trying to reinvent the wheel when working on this project. My initial idea was to create something that made light of the art world, much like the work of Piero Manzoni. I found when researching Memento Mori art that the vast majority of work involved skulls and death, and although death is a vital element of the theme i wanted to convey this concept in a new interesting way. bellow you can see the development of my original concept. I aimed for the viewer of my art to be the reason for the the deterioration of the object. Much like in how an architect wears gloves to prolong the life of the object they are touching and wanted a similar feeling of care to be present when interacting with my work. This is why i created the concept of a glass display case with holes allowing the viewer to touch and interact with the work through the barrier of gloves.

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However i could not create od decide what to place within the case. I found it hard to find something with enough meaning, value or even lack of value that successfully convey what i was trying to convey. I experimented with the an old book with all the lines scored out, where the viewer could turn the pages. I even tried using a prank turd i bought from the joke shop but everything became too literal, and i lost the spark I had originally envisioned this work having.

I am often too precious when it comes to the early stages of creating an artwork and could do with being less precious and more experimental, this is something i will keep in mind in theearly stages of future projects.

Bellow is my second concept, inspired by Anya Gallacio. The use of natural biodegradable materials within the work created a life span for the piece. This for me was the ultimate way to convey the idea of Memento Mori, the acceptance of death in life. This time i am no longer looking for the interaction of the viewer with my work but rather the natural effect of time and the environment to create a time based change.

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Presentation has been an important element to my work during the major project, and i have found that the way something is presented deeply effects the way it is perceived.

I feel i could have explored more different ways of displaying this work , and if given more time I would further explore this.

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Here is my final concept which due to unforeseen circumstances could not be achieved. I would like to create a museum style display of a deteriorating biodegradable scene, demonstrating in front of the viewers eyes the end (or death) of tinned goods (with connotations of being long lasting) and fruits. Through this death however is the growth of life, and although mould and bacteria are not seen as the most saught after forms of life they are life none the less.

The display period will demonstrate the common story of food going to waste as it for too often does in western society and the birth of bacteria and mould, replacing the ones colourful life of the biodegradable goods used.