The human body in motion possesses an innate power that we are fortunate to inhabit and navigate within every aspect of our lives. As these movements have since become embedded into our subconscious, we fail to consciously recognize individual actions, and often miss the opportunity to fully grasp the remarkable capabilities our bodies possess.

Danse Macabre is a memento mori serving as a reminder to “remember that you must die,” and that no matter your gender, age, social status, and level of wealth, death can come at any point and to anyone and it is what “unites us all in the end” (Britannica).

Danse Macabre, or The Dance of Death, originated in the Middle Ages when it was believed that the “dead rose up at night to dance over their graves, and lure people into the dance, and then into death” (Atlas Obscura). Especially seen within the 14th and 17th centuries, it was a social phenomenon where county authorities were forced to organize dance rituals and allow people to “dance to their death,” essentially until they had injured or exhausted themselves (Atlas Obscura). This piece illuminates the enduring significance of the body’s evolution and illustrates the beauty within its gradual disintegration as we journey through life's mesmerizing dance and gradually engage with the power of death.

The piece made up of rectangular rings capture the intricate tapestry of movements, symbolizing the relentless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Within each frame, solarized outlines cast shadows, revealing the silhouette of an individual immersed in a spectrum of emotions and actions—ranging from screams to jumps and twirls to dances. The outermost ring presents a broader perspective, allowing viewers to witness the entire silhouette in stark black and white contrast, which strips the images down to the fundamental movement the body creates. Observing inwards with the inner rings, the movements become more focused and intricate, mirroring the gradual deceleration the body undergoes as it ages illustrated through hunched over or fallen down forms that are glitched to an uncomfortable feedback of slowness. The color choice of solarizing the frames through black and white, reduces the images to their true contrasting form, and focuses on the body. The audioscape complementing the piece is a reminiscence of warped time travel with the sound of chimes, bells, and echoes, to further illustrate the lifespan of one’s body and the inevitable dance towards death.

Each frame serves as a poignant representation of life's perpetual journey, marked by the disintegration of our bodies and the inevitable conclusion it brings. The essence of this piece encourages viewers to contemplate their own lives, prompting them to question whether they are satisfied with their current physical pursuits, or if there are aspirations they wish to fulfill. Life unfolds swiftly, and time goes on, and it’s vital to emphasize the importance of cherishing and treasuring each fleeting moment with our bodies as we experience it.