Vanitas
Informed by the Dutch master paintings from the 16th and 17th century, Strawinski's Vanitas paintings explore this genre.
This new series of painted Vanitas (Latin for Vanity), depicting Memento Mori and other allegorical representations, communicates a message via the use of symbols to depict the transitional stages of life. Each object in the Vanitas has its own unique meaning, emphasising the emptiness and futility of worldly possessions. Strawinski creates her own narrative using her collection of antiquities to illustrate the fragility and transience of life.
Symbols and their meanings
Skull: memento mori message, the transience of life
Hourglass: time is limited and passing
Diamonds and Pearls: the temporary nature of riches
Bubbles: ephemeral, moment in time
Silk Ribbon: rare and exclusive, vanity
Dice: chance, 'lady luck'
Hourglass: time is limited and passing
Diamonds and Pearls: the temporary nature of riches
Bubbles: ephemeral, moment in time
Silk Ribbon: rare and exclusive, vanity
Dice: chance, 'lady luck'
