Vanitus and Vanitatum by Brad Faine

Published: 2010
Image Size: 700 mm X 730 mm
Paper Size: 885 mm X 935 mm
Edition Size: 50

This is a sophisticated contemporary take on 18th century momento mori paintings. These paintings were created to remind man of the transient nature of life, the futility of pleasure, and the certainty of death. They were often defined by their inclusion of a skull or other reminder of mortality. Faine combines a series of excerpts from these images with layers of lettering (continuing the theme from recent works Art Malarkey and Classic Malarkey) creating a commentary on mans' vanity. One cannot help suspect that Faine is taking a swipe at our consumer society, or perhaps at the vanity of us all.