What is the relationship between the representation of objects and death?
...ess. The objects used as a memento mori have changed over time. Traditionally, skull, hour-glass drum etc indicate time passing and the idea of death. Many modern vanitas have invented new objects, such as Hirst’s tiger shark in “The physical Impossibility of Death in the Minds of Someone Living”. Sharks are seen as fierce, powerful animal, but now, it has turned into an object of exhibition. Hirst uses it as a metaphor of loses of pride when death comes, as it has loss the freedom to wonder in the ocean and now it is trapped in a small tank. Although the shark has been degraded and became pathetic, viewers would still be scared of the model of the shark, reflecting humans’ fear of death. The shark served as a Memento Mori, reminding the viewers that one day, you will die and loss all your previous early p...