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Justin Lim: Private Vanitas at Touch Gallery


  • Hong Kong Hong Kong (map)

In recent years, I have been particularly drawn to illustrating elements of everyday life. Capturing fleeting moments, one that might not be noticed otherwise. Through this portrayal of still life and interior scenes, I wanted to depict a modern interpretation of the genre, whilst paying homage to the age-old concept of Vanitas paintings.                                 

Vanitas artists in the 17th century devoted their craft to portraying a message that things of this world - pleasures, money, beauty & power were not everlasting properties. Using symbology such as wilting flowers, skulls, musical instruments and food to convey this theme throughout their works. They mainly take on two interpretations within this theme. First, a hopeful approach, which compares the fleeting and vain nature of earthly pursuits to a glorious eternal afterlife and the second, which speaks of the fleeting nature of existence itself, where life is all there and so the meaning lies in the pursuit of all of its pleasures while it lasts. By paying homage to the past by interpreting the vanitas symbology into contemporary allegories that speak about mortality and the cycle of life in contemporary environments, they document personal dialogues of the everyday and intimate glimpses into these transient memories.  

Opening reception: 2024.03.22 (Friday) 5:30 - 7:30pm

Gallery address: Shop 103 & 202, 1-2/F, Block 3 Barrack Block, Tai Kwun