Portugal-based artist @oficinastk makes often conceptual and minimalistic in style artworks. The series of still life compositions, historically associated with the depiction of mortality, is at times animated. Strangely, in this case the liveliness that movements usually adds to still images brings the composition closer to that of a "portrait vivant– another historical genre when people where standing still depicting a scene during a live event. And this in turn, takes us back to the immobility of death.  

Further studies in still lifes and a variation of the piece 'Three Carrots, Two Oranges, One Lemon'

Two Carrots and One Lemon - still life

Dream - knife or scissors?

Someone has stolen my third eye

DOOM

Satanic Panic (1 of 3)

Santa Muerte (Detail)

"All media have a suicide pact" (E. Jensen and B. LaBelle). 

In 1995, science fiction writer Bruce Sterling made a profound observation about the nature of media. He described it as an extension of our senses, a mode of consciousness, and extra-somatic memory. This highlights the critical role that media plays in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving media for future generations, as it represents a crystallization of human thought that survives the death of the individual. 

As we continue to navigate the digital realm, blockchain technology may prove to be an essential tool for preserving our cultural heritage and ensuring the longevity of human thought. Nonetheless, in the (inter)net of things, death remains a chilling contract that slips into that extra-somatic memory, despite it having seemingly gotten rid of the shell of the media. Often disguised as rather seductively vivid, psychedelic imagery, edgy dreams or dangerous proximities, it smells death even from the screen. 

Two Carrots and One Lemon - still life

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