Art Soul by Yoyo Ren

Students Name: Yoyo Ren

Title: Art Soul

Work type: Oil on Canvas

Category: Fine Art

Size: 22x24

This expressionistic artwork offers a glimpse of how dance and joy are viewed. At first glance, this seeming macabre paintings might misinterpret a darker meaning, but the total opposite is in view. It is a celebration of life. Through every death there is a new beginning.

The skeletons are the most direct and universal symbols of death but in this work, they act as a flickering candle and represent our life and vitality and the fragility of human existence. Whether we end up in a non or creative field, the vanity of knowledge or creative pursuits that ultimately cannot stop the inevitability of death no matter who you are.

According to Yoyo, “this artwork offers a powerful dual perspective on the human journey. Viewed from left to right, it tells the story of a soul awakening and growing, more expressive, and alive through the love of dance. From right to left, it reflects the story of life fading into death. Reminding us of the fleeting nature of time. The bright warm skeletons glowing against the dark background symbolize how movement, creativity, and passion can illuminate both body and soul. It speaks to healthy living as more than just physical wellness, it’s about embracing joy, purpose, and vitality while we can. “

Memento mori is an artistic theme that reminds the viewer of their mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence, with the purpose of inspiring a better, more meaningful life. The Latin phrase translates to "remember that you must die," and this tradition has appeared in art since antiquity, evolving from a religious call to piety to a more secular meditation on life.