On the Nature of Things
Artist Statement
On the Nature of Things
On the Nature of Things title is a direct quotation from the ancient Roman poet Lucretius’ poem by the same title “De Rerum Natura.” Lucreatius’ serendipitous prediction or understanding of atoms is poeticized in what he called the world to be made up of “matter” and “void.”
Through the juxtaposition of various references of time, place, and objects the viewer is placed somewhere between the past, present and future. The symbolic work of Vanitas painting best contextualizes these works as meant as a modern day for reflection upon the temporariness of life and morality.
In a way, the works in “On the Nature of Things,” function as contemporary Vanitas paintings, in which the contemplation of existence is made through a mixed symbolism of the intermingling of historical and contemporary objects and their playful depiction in vibrant colors, and paint applications.