DSM.LAB/by A u r é l i e n DESMETTRE
DESMETTRE laboratoire / la.bɔ.ʁa.twaʁ /masculin
FILTERS/ All • ARCHITECTURE • REPORTAGE • STILL LIFE • STUDIO
22 - 11 - 2023 L’Odeur De La Mort
Shot w/ Rollei flex K4A f3.5
Stock Ektar 100
City Paris
Country France
In the center, a broken plate with frozen shards seems suspended in eternity.
It is now nothing more than a memory, a functionless medium, a metaphor for what is made and unmade, for what fragments as the end approaches.
Against this background of broken ceramic, a pomegranate lies, its heart shattered. This fruit, symbolizing both resurrection and immortality, is here caught in a process of decomposition. The pomegranate, through its historical symbolism, was often placed in the tombs of the deceased, a companion on the journey to a new life. But in this scene, it heralds another cycle, that of imminent death, but also, paradoxically, that of regeneration.
Around it, apricots, fruits with a sweet and mild aroma, hide a pit which, beneath its apparent innocence, contains an almond rich in amygdalin. This compound, once ingested, transforms into cyanide, a deadly poison. The apricot, despite its beauty and simplicity, thus becomes an ambivalent symbol: that of life hiding within itself the possibility of its end.
Flying around this feast are butterflies, one of which, an Acherontia atropos – a death's-head hawkmoth – which lands on the fruit, its macabre silhouette recalling the inexorable passage from life to death. This butterfly, often associated with the mysteries of the afterlife, bears a skull on its back, a symbol of transformation and metamorphosis in the cycle of life.
The scent emanating from this scene, though invisible, permeates every element, like a portent heavy with meaning. The scent of sweet fruit, old linens, and flowers blends with that of a past that is being remembered, leaving in its wake a scent of melancholy. This still life not only celebrates the end of life, but also reminds us that every moment is a step closer to that inevitable end. Death is there, present, but it is also enveloped in symbols of transformation, of endless cycles, which, even in their darkness, remind us of the beauty of our existence.
Category
STILL LIFE,STUDIO
Shot w/ 8x10 Linhof Kardan B + Symmar 360mm f5.6
Stock Fomapan 100
City Paris
Country France
In a world where we chase money, the U.S. dollar symbolizes dreams and desires, a beacon of hope for many and a teacher for most. It stands as a glittering icon of wealth and power, yet it casts a shadow where hunger and want reside.
The relentless pursuit of the dollar shapes destinies and dictates lives, often leaving behind a trail of yearning hearts and empty hands. Capitalism, with its promise of opportunity and freedom, elevates the dollar to a sacred pedestal, spurring innovation and ambition. But in its fervor, it also breeds glaring inequality and insatiable greed.
The invisible hand of the market can both build and destroy, nourishing some while abandoning others. The pursuit of profit creates a world where the gap between affluence and destitution widens, and the voices of the marginalized are lost in the noise of commerce. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words still resonate: "We live in a world of guided missiles and misguided men." This profound truth reminds us that our collective destiny depends not on the relentless accumulation of wealth, but on our ability to bridge divides, foster equity, and cultivate the humanity that binds us all together.
In this global theater, money is not only a measure of success but also a catalyst for conflict. Wars are fought where money is key—fought for resources, fueled by ambitions for control, and sustained by profits from weapons and industry. The spoils of war often enrich the few while leaving a trail of destruction and despair for the many.
The pernicious influence of money in war reveals the darkest side of human endeavor, where the pursuit of wealth eclipses the very value of life.
Category
STILL LIFE,STUDIO