memento mori

Memento Mori, a Latin phrase meaning 'Remember you must die', invites contemplation on mortality—a reflection not of fear, but of life's fleeting beauty.

In this spirit, Meyoko's art delves into the ancient traditions of tribal face paints, drawing inspiration from the Ethiopian Omo Valley and Congolese Efe pygmy tribes. These rituals, steeped in symbolism and belief, speak to themes of protection and renewal, resonating with the artist's exploration of life's ephemeral nature.

Delving deeper, Meyoko found resonance in Egyptian beliefs on Immortality and the symbolism of the sacred beetle—a metaphor for resurrection and transformation. Yet, it was Paul Koudounaris's revelatory work on bejeweled skulls that ignited her imagination, merging opulence with religious motifs.

While watching the Martin Margiela haute couture A/W12 show, Meyoko's creative vision crystallized. Inspired by tribal traditions and the allure of religious iconography, she embarked on a journey to translate these influences into her own unique artistic expression.