Literature

In Samo Shalaby’s Memento Mori collection, past and present converge as antiquities are given new life while retaining their historical significance. Spanning frames from the 16th century to the early 1950s, the collection reflects Shalaby’s passion for portraiture, collecting, and art history. Meticulously gathered over four years across international cities, these frames become canvases for intricately crafted artworks—some featuring double-sided paintings. Subjects range from spoons and spectacles to brooches, lockets, and gloves, with select pieces preserving original inscriptions and sentimental relics. Inspired by the Victorian tradition of Lover’s Eye jewelry, where discreet portraits were exchanged as symbols of devotion, the collection also engages with the ethos of Memento Mori—a reminder of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. By blending historical references with ancient/contemporary materials and conservation techniques, Shalaby bridges eras, blurs the line between art and artifact, preserving the echoes of the past while reimagining them for the present.