Vanitas, Still Life with Skull & Quill

The theme of Vanitas in Still-life is an age old motif and one I continually like to explore. They serve as a reminder of our own mortality and the futility in coveting the material wealth we cannot take with us once we have passed. The symbolism here is plain enough. The skull has long been a motif of the inevitability of death with the pocket watch alluding to the passing of time. A gold chain and a few silver coins sit in the middle of the painting representing the dangerous allures of the material world. In my own exploration of the theme my inclusion of books and writing implements serve as a reminder that though we may be mortal there are things we can yet leave behind that are of true and intrinsic value. This stark contrast with the motif of death is a reminder that though our time here is short, we still have the power to pass on and record things of importance & achieve feats that which will transcend our own existence.

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My name is Michael Memete, I am a self taught Melbourne based artist inspired by the old masters, in particular those of the 17th century Dutch Golden Age. Each of my paintings is created using the highest quality materials possible, including paints I grind by hand as well as flax oil (“linseed” oil) that I have cleansed and prepared using time honoured methods. Each piece I create is a one off and though themes and objects may reappear I will never make copies of a previous work. I am my own harshest critic and believe that each piece must be of a certain level of quality before it leaves the studio and I can be comfortable asking somebody to buy it. Vanity, mortality, philosophy and wisdom are all themes I like to explore in my work and I aim to improve my craft with each painting I complete. It is my hope that there are people out there who would like to support me on this journey as I aspire to reach mastery and play a small part in restoring the beauty of traditional art in modern times.

Each piece comes with a hand signed certificate of authenticity upon purchase.

All of my works are signed, varnished, framed and ready to hang unless stated otherwise.

If you have any inquiries or If you would like to see a piece in the studio, please feel free to get in touch, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Thank you.

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No artworks may be reproduced without written consent of the artist.