Onceagain (Manoji Yachvili) has redressed her public / gallery region of Onceagain for the autumn, bringing to it something of a reverential and in places a personal design that is captivating to the eye and provocative to thinking. Entitled Memento Mori, it sits as a both a reminder of our mortality and the essence of life and the need to appreciate all it has to offer; how we might best use our time, whilst also presenting the works of a number of artists as they reflect upon life and death.
‘Memento Mori’ serves as a constant reminder that everything, even our closest affections, are temporary. Reflecting one’s mortality can help increase gratitude, set priorities, improve awareness and guide us in leading a life that is more fulfilling and authentic. It also encourages us to consider what our impact on the world will be when and if we are remembered, inspiring us to make a positive impact on others.
How true for you is this?
– The introduction to Memento Mori
The reminders of our mortality are everywhere within the region, all of them surround the near-central landing point. This is located within a chapel raising a steeply-pitch roof towards a sombre sky as it sits atop a hill overlooking the semi-desolate landscape. Separated from the rest of the landscape by a ring of water crossed by a number of bridges that are themselves artistically styled, the chapel is beautifully laid-out and I very much recommend spending a little time there and reading the introductory dedication / taking the notecard Onceagain provides for visitors. There’s also the opportunity to fill-out the guest book and / or answer a question set by Onceagain, while for those wishing to visit Onceagain’s personal gallery spaces, a teleport board is set alongside the doors to the chapel, but as the main exhibition to go with this theme is located on the ground level, I will be focusing on that.
To be fair, at the time of my visit, Onceagain was still in the process of working on the region and in getting her invited artists set up; as such things may well change from the writing of this piece and any visit you might opt to make. However, at the time I dropped it, the ground level featured a selection of images by Melusina Parkin as they capture the essence of the region in a series of monochrome images produced in Melu’s aways captivating style. These are to be found a a board propped against a tall standing stone located a short walk from the steps leading down from the chapel.
I’m getting older and things are getting more confusing; what will I leave behind when I die? Will I leave some good memories to someone? In the meantime I’m full of memories of dear friends who left me alone in this world; and this year will be the tenth anniversary of one … who is no longer with me … So this is how this project was born and I’m happy that some friends have decided to put their vision on death.
– From Onceagain’s notes on the personal nature of Memento mori and its art.
At the time of my visit, two other core exhibitions had been set-up; the first by Onceagain herself, and the second by the inimitable Eupalinos Ugajin. In addition to these, Onceagain informed me whilst visiting the region that Moki Yuitza, Sole Krams and Vic (Victoria Worbridge) are also due to exhibit, and hopefully Karma Weyman and Maddy (Magda Schmidtzau).
Eupa’s exhibit can be found to the south-west of the region within a building sitting atop another hill. Entitled Smells of Playground, it is very much a light, bright celebration of what we come to regard as the most joyous part of life: childhood, as well as a reflection on creativity and design. The photographs offer a strong counterpoint to the the general region design, as does the music to be heard within the exhibition space.
Located in chapel ruins below and to the west of the landing point chapel, Onceagain’s display features a series of works on memorials found within the Cimitero monumentale di Staglieno (the Monumental Cemetery of Staglieno) in Genoa, Italy. As well as being one of the largest cemeteries in Europe (covering more than a square kilometre), it is most famous for its memorials and sculpture, and within the chapel ruins at Memento Mori, Onceagain presents half-a-dozen photographs she captured within the cemetery, all of which have been post-processed for a specific finish.
More of Onecagain’s work is to be found scattered across the setting, as are 3D pieces from various creators which are in keeping with the core theme, further adding to the general ambience. These are also joined by a second small interactive installation by Eupa (touch the guide rope around the exhibit), whilst the alter on the hill (I’ve leave you to find it) is also interactive – so exploring on foot rather than simply flycamming / camming between the exhibits is strongly recommended. Be sure, also, not to miss the small memorial garden to the south of the setting.
Best viewed under the supplied shared environment and with local sounds enabled, Memento Mori a setting and art theme that encourages introspection as well as offering the chance to appreciate the art presented. I look forward to hopping back over the several days and viewing the work of the other artists who will be participating. And if you haven’t done so before, do use the teleport board at the chapel landing point to bounce up to Onceagain’s personal galleries.
SLurl Details
- Memento Mori – Onceagain Art Gallery (Fading Shadows, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 