This artwork was created for Trevor Jones' "Art Angels" x MakersPlace Exhibit NFC Lisbon

"Memento vivere" is a Latin phrase that translates as "remember to live", as opposed to the more familiar "memento mori", which means "remember that you must die" and is about the awareness of the miracle of life and the conscious appreciation of our existence.

At the center of the composition is a contemporary interpretation of an angel. Breaking away from traditional depictions, she emanates a cyberpunky aura, blending elements of cyberpunk and steampunk aesthetics. Her presence symbolizes the convergence of past and present, bridging ancient wisdom with a futuristic perspective. Her purpose is to inspire us to fully embrace and appreciate the miracle of life rather than taking it all for granted.

In this multi-layered digital collage based on my own art, the background is a visual symphony, composed of an infinite looping zoom into a painting, overlaid with a rapid sequence of drawings from my sketchbook. This creates a timeline tracing my creative evolution. A poignant letter written by my great-grandfather during World War I adds personal depth and emphasizes the fragility and importance of life.

The wing movement is timed at 5 seconds. Therefore it also serves as a timer for a breathing technique known as "5-5 breathing", that involves inhaling and exhaling for a count of five seconds each. It is a simple breathing exercise that aims to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and increase mindfulness.

Symbolism:

Halo: benevolent celestial being

Circle with dot in the center: find your middle

Three screws: represent the Tarot card "III - The Empress", stands for the blooming garden life should be, renewal and growth

Meters: middle value as a symbol of balance and finding a healthy middle ground

Waves: The concept of "panta rhei" (everything flows), emphasized by

Spinning Wheel of Fortune: represents the cycles of life.

Window to machinery: tells us to look behind the scenes

Changing background colors: From yellow-orange tones (representing light and passion) to pinkish-purple reds (symbolizing spiritual awareness and growth), highlighting the significance of maintaining a healthy balance between body and mind.

The combination of Morse code for "memento vivere" and a "no bombs" pictogram: captures the essence of the artwork, reminding us to cherish life and not to harm others or ourselves.