Zandri Oosthuysen's work is a profound exploration of mortality and death, deeply rooted in the historical tradition of memento mori—the Latin reminder that 'you will die'. Drawing inspiration from the Vanitas still life genre prevalent during the Baroque period, she reinterprets its core themes for a contemporary context.
Instead of traditional symbols like human skulls, Oosthuysen uses animal remains—skulls, flesh, and bones—as the central subjects of her work. This fascination stems from a deeply personal place of processing her own mortality. Through the repetitive and meticulous study of these decaying forms, she creates powerful still lifes that serve as a contemplation on the transience of life.
The decaying animal remains act as a direct mirror to our own human condition, reminding the viewer that we, too, are flesh and bones destined for the same fate. Through this process, Oosthuysen confronts the finality of death and the profound significance of what 'remains'—the lifeless forms that were once associated with life.
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Zandri Oosthuysen's work is a profound exploration of mortality and death, deeply rooted in the historical tradition of memento mori—the Latin reminder that 'you will die'. Drawing inspiration from the Vanitas still life genre prevalent during the Baroque period, she reinterprets its core themes for a contemporary context.
Instead of traditional symbols like human skulls, Oosthuysen uses animal remains—skulls, flesh, and bones—as the central subjects of her work. This fascination stems from a deeply personal place of processing her own mortality. Through the repetitive and meticulous study of these decaying forms, she creates powerful still lifes that serve as a contemplation on the transience of life.
The decaying animal remains act as a direct mirror to our own human condition, reminding the viewer that we, too, are flesh and bones destined for the same fate. Through this process, Oosthuysen confronts the finality of death and the profound significance of what 'remains'—the lifeless forms that were once associated with life.
