MICHAEL C. ROBERTS, PhD, ABPP
The images of this triptych are not immediately identifiable as dead lotus water lily pods floating on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. Tourists hurried by this scene, perhaps frustrated by the setting sun and the lack of flowers on the lily pads as they go dormant for the winter, seeking more clichéd and colorful shots of the Long Corridor or the white marble boat at the palace. The desiccated plants and the contrast with the low angled sun reflected on the water lend themselves to the monochrome film for artistic effect. By eliminating distracting color, the viewer focuses attention on the floating pods and on reflecting our emotional states. As with much art in Asia, there is timeless beauty, often in simple objects. These images epitomize the concept of memento mori; these are reminders that everybody and everything die eventually, losing vitality and vigor. Rather than presenting a depressing picture, they also serve us as memento vivere as a contrasting perspective of hope: An imperative to remember to live, value life, and treasure those we love having lived. These mementos also remind of the beauty in aging, weathering, and changing of nature over time. As we continue with our own lives and connect with our patients, colleagues, friends, and families, we appreciate the continuity of existence and memories, even as we mourn the enormous losses and reflect on the ongoing challenges of coronavirus and social injustice.
Memento Mori, Memento Vivere
(Photograph)
This series of photographs was taken in a retro-film format by a cheap camera (the Diana). The dreamy white cloud and the vignetting (in the darkish bottom corners) is an artifact of the plastic lens. I recently discovered that these lily pods were similarly photographed in black and white film in1964 by legendary René Burri. Although I had not been aware of these earlier art photographs, I have a greater sense of perpetuity in the life cycle for these plants and us. That sense of Memento Mori, Memento Vivere is the power of the arts.