The Baroque period in art history is known for its dramatic and extravagant style, and one of the most popular genres during this time was the Vanitas still life. These paintings often featured symbolic objects like skulls, flowers, and rotting fruit to remind viewers of the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Spanish artist Aaron Alamo takes inspiration from this tradition but adds a contemporary twist to his series “Vanitas: Not-so-still Life”.
In this series, Aaron Alamo presents a photograph of a photograph taken 10 years ago, which has been deliberately subjected to decay and decomposition. The artist carefully selects modern objects to accompany the traditional elements of a Vanitas still life, such as a skull with orthodontist braces, a bucket of KFC, and a plastic cup. Through this combination of old and new, Alamo challenges our perception of temporality in art, as well as the concept of eternal beauty.
The original photographs were printed on cotton paper and treated with humidity and a culture of fungus in a dark place. Over the course of 10 years, the process of decay was documented through a series of photographs, capturing the transformation of the once pristine image into a work of art marked by decay and imperfection. This series serves as a visual representation of the passage of time and the inevitable decay of all things, even a photograph.
The “Vanitas: Not-so-still Life” series is available in two sizes, M and L, with a limited edition of 10 prints per size. Each print is a Fine Art Giclée Print on Matte Fibre Hahnemühle Paper 200gr, and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity. The artworks are sold unframed, but insured shipping is provided to ensure they reach your doorstep in pristine condition.
For Aaron Alamo, this series is not just an exploration of decay and transformation, but also a meditation on the nature of photography and art as timeless elements. By deliberately subjecting his photographs to decay, Alamo challenges our perception of traditional art forms and their perceived permanence. In doing so, he prompts viewers to reconsider what it means for art to be eternal and whether its beauty lies in its impermanence.
In conclusion, Aaron Alamo’s “Vanitas: Not-so-still Life” is a thought-provoking exploration of time, decay, and the concept of eternal beauty in art. Through this series, the artist challenges traditional notions of beauty and art’s permanence, reminding us that nothing is truly eternal, not even a photograph. With its contemporary twist on a classic genre, this series is a striking visual representation of the passage of time and the inevitable decay of all things.
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