The word “origin” refers to the point which something begins, its source or starting place.

Origins Moodboard

My Moodboard

Vanitas Research- context

Vanitas is a still-life art style that developed in the 17th century Dutch Golden Age. The word Vanitas comes from the Latin phrase “Vanitas vanitatum“ meaning “vanity of vanities, all is meaningless.” ​

These artworks were designed to communicate the temporary nature of life and the inevitability of death, often using symbolic objects. 

Common Symbolic Objects

• Skull= Mortality
• Candles burning= Ending of life
• Rotten Fruit= Decay
• Books/Instruments/Dice= Temporary Pleasures
• Wilting Flowers= Beauty fading
• Clocks/hourglasses= Time Passing

How it links to Origin

Vanitas imagery conceptually links to my theme Origins as it explores themes of life and death and the cycle of beginning and ending. Vanitas traditionally focuses on mortality but the focus on death also implies that everything has a starting point.​

By analysing Vanitas imagery, I am exploring how objects and living things develop from an origin, change over time, and eventually decline. Which emphasises the relationship between origin, existence, and deterioration.