“Memento Mori” (2014) – Memento mori (Latin for ‘remember that you have to die) is the medieval Latin theory and practice of reflection on mortality
Japanese sculptor Yoshitoshi Kanemaki carves life-size sculptures from wood, but with a twist of mortality and transience. The disturbing pieces hinge often hinge on grotesque as the combination of the bulging weight and density of wood heightens the certainty of death that looms over all his creations.
“TAYUTA・Caplice” (2014)
“What is life? What is death?” asks Kanemaki. With the understanding that he will never arrive at an answer, the artist continues his meditation on the subject.
Kanemaki’s latest piece, “TAYUTA・Caplice”, is a multi-headed girl carved out of a gigantic log of camphor wood. The many faces express the ambivalence towards time mercilessly passing us by.
You can follow Kanemaki and his work on twitter and instagram.
“TAYUTA・Caplice” (2014)
Kanemaki began with a gigantic log of camphor wood and slowly chiseled it away
“Memento mori” (2013)
“Memento mori” (2012)
