Modern Musings of Mummification

Modern Musings of Mummification

This editorial most probably does not meet the criteria for fashion or a cultural piece. I would merely call it an artistic expression. A vision fostered during months of seclusion on our farm in South Africa.
It was brought to life shortly after our lockdown was eased and we were able to cross provincial borders again and gather in very small numbers.

The photographs explore the beauty and promise surrounding the notion of the afterlife, the journey that surrounds it and the inevitable rebirth.
It celebrates mummification beyond the macabre or morbid by portraying the continuation of the artistic consciousness in the afterlife. When one grasps the intricacy, the beauty and the subtlety of life and death, a sense of elation appears. Great emphasis was therefore placed on using natural light, flooding the photographs, to dispel darkness and the morbidity associated with it.
Rituals and traditions from different burial rites were loosely borrowed to suit my narrative.

Each photograph represents a moment of preparation for the long journey through mummification into the stages of rebirth. Each pays visual homage to the artisans and the profession each artist valued and the visions they brought to life.
A collection of objects and trinkets represents the ka, or life-force of the craftswomen and are everyday curiosities used in their trade. They are the unique objects these individuals would carry into the next life to continue their processes and artistry.
The garments portray the notion of creating something out of nothing. Something insubstantial. Each outfit only existed for the few moments it was photographed, falling apart afterwards. The act of laboriously wrapping the muse myself for each individual chapter of the project, becoming an integral part of the scene. So was the rudimentary yet repetitive face painting which were chosen as a distractive element, drawing the viewers’ attention to her eyes before forcing them to circle endlessly around her face.

The light filled barren space embraces the young persona and emphasizes her lonely yet defiant demeanor and becomes an instrument aiding in the misconception of what “Modern Mummification” could mean.
As an ongoing independent project planning it became a lifeline, a profound source of focus and spirituality. Each individual chapter will shine the spotlight on another artform and how I interpret their take on preparing for the afterlife and the subsequent rebirth of their craft.

Photographers:
Elaine Van der Merwe-Louwrens
Dust and Dreams Photography
@dustanddreamsphotography

Creative Direction & Concept Creation:
THIRTEEN Creative Emporium
@thirteenideasemporium

Stylist & Wardrobe Designer:
Elaine Van der Merwe-Louwrens
@elainevdmlouwrens

Model & MUA:
Philipa Otto
@philipaotto

Floral Artist:
Teneale Coetzee Creations
@tenealecoetzee_creations

Location:
South Africa