Vanitas: The Transience Of Earthly Pleasures

'The Latin word vanitas has two different applications as does its English cognate ‘vanity’. The original Latin adjective vanus means both ‘empty’ and ‘frivolous’. In the Vanitas tradition of the 17th century, Vanitas paintings were considered by their owners to be both beautiful objects and works of spiritual contemplation concerned with the impermanence of man and his earthly pleasures in the face of the unavoidable and definitive nature of death. The most immediate and universal symbol of mortality in the Vanitas tradition is the human skull but other objects also held special significance as references to the passing of time and fragility of human existence.'

When arriving at no.33 Portland Place, you could tell that this was no ordinary exhibition and everything from the grand facade of an eighteenth century townhouse down to the chipping wall paper and grand staircase did not disappoint. Feeling like a character from a Lewis Carroll story, and pushing the grand front door aside, one was welcomed into a truly exceptional exhibition of work. From the Chapman Brothers to Tim Noble and Sue Webster, the range of exciting works along the theme of Vanitas was to be explored amongst the grand floors of the house. The curation, stimulated by such interesting pieces and an amazing setting, led to a fantastic experience. In particular, Kate MccGuire's feathery outburst found itself weaving in and out of the floorboards of the setting in a subtle and beautiful way - and it was this attention to detail that made for such a successful display of art work.

The exhibition was conceived and curated by All Visual Arts Director, Joe La Placa and Associate Director, Mark Sanders.