Mementi Mori
The Latin expression memento mori, often translated, "remember your mortality," describes a work of art that reminds the viewer of the brevity of life. Bisbee Brown's mementi mori tell the viewer, "Death is universal, so let's not make a fuss."
These mementi mori, often built in wooden cigar boxes, are constructed from recycled printed paper, bits of glass, wire, wood, cloth, plastic, altered found objects, and figures sculpted from polymer clay. Some are embellished with handpainting in acrylics. Most of the mementi mori boxes have small decorative hangers, often a metal pull tab. Each piece is signed “BJB”.
Click on an image to see an enlargement or another view.
Almost all the works of art shown here are in private collections. If you have questions or comments for Bisbee Brown, or would like to talk about commissioning a special piece, please visit the Contact page.
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Texas Wildflowers (Detail 01) -
Texas Wildflowers (Detail 02) -
Texas Wildflowers (Detail 03) -
Texas Wildflowers
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Texas Wildflowers (Detail 04) -
Missing Link
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The Scream
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The Scream (Detail) -
Marilyn's Halloween
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Welcome -
Frida's Diary I (Detail) -
Frida's Diary I
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Frida's Diary II
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Frida's Diary II (Detail) -
Frida and the Cycle of Life
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Dark Dreams
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Frida: Without Hope
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Frida: Without Hope (Detail) -
Frida: Roots
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Frida: Roots (Detail) -
Hunters
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Frida: No More Tears (Detail) -
Frida: No More Tears
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Funeral II
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Funeral I
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Goth
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Goth (Detail) -
Skateboard
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It's a Small World
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Days of Bounty
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Yarn (Detail) -
Yarn -
Music for the Soul
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Pirate's Gold
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Birdwatcher
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Road out of Town
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Crucifixion
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Frida's Funeral
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Frida's Funeral (Detail) -
Stone Hoop -
Frida and Her Friends (Detail) -
Frida and Her Friends
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Medicine Cabinet
(Front) -
Medicine Cabinet
(Interior) -
Medicine Cabinet
(Three Floors) -
Farmer -
Frida I -
Frida II -
Clear Havana
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Guilt -
Sheriff Joe Arpaio -
Home with Remote -
Boudoir -
Absinthe -
Mom -
Seamstress -
Green Bathroom -
Cornbinder -
Cornbinder (Detail: Passenger) -
Cornbinder (Detail: Dog) -
Modigliani's Cafe -
Modigliani's Cafe (Detail 01) -
Modigliani's Cafe (Detail 02) -
Surprise
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Surprise (Detail)