In the era of the Dutch Golden Age, the vanitas genre gained popularity as a form of memento mori that highlighted the fleeting nature of life. These elaborate paintings were rich in symbolism and emphasized the emptiness of worldly pursuits and pleasures.
Artist Marc Dennis draws inspiration from this 17th-century tradition as he reinvents the still life genre for a modern audience. In one of his recent oil paintings titled “Happily Ever After,” a swarm of honeybees and hornets descends upon a vibrant bouquet. Iridescent bubbles float across the canvas, reflecting the colors around them and distorting the clarity of nearby flowers and fruits.
The presence of insects and shimmering orbs adds another layer of impermanence to the already fleeting scene, while also exploring the delicate balance between the natural and the artificial. This theme is echoed in another painting titled “Allegory of the Readymade,” where a seemingly vibrant composition is suffocated and distorted by layers of plastic wrap. Each of Dennis’ works captures a moment in time, celebrating life’s vibrancy while reminding viewers of its inevitable end.
Dennis’ artworks are currently on display in the exhibition I’m Happy You’re Here at Harper’s Gallery in New York until March 1. To see more of the artist’s work, visit his Instagram profile.
