What Is The Relationship Between The Representation Of Objects And Death?
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Submitted by freefortermpapers on 06/24/2008 03:00 PM
- Category: American History
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What Is The Relationship Between The Representation Of Objects And Death?
Title: What is the relationship between the representation of objects and death?
Sub title: Modern Vanitas
The view of death can often be found in Vanitas, a branch from Still life painting, as a memento mori. It considers that owning too many worldly possessions is pointless, when we all will die and the possessions become useless. Vanitas is acting as a reminder rather than an expression of contemptuousness.
The objects used as a memento mori have changed over time. Traditionally, skull, hour-glass drum etc indicate time passing and the idea of death. Many modern vanitas have invented new objects, such as Hirst's tiger shark in "The physical Impossibility of Death in the Minds of Someone Living".
Sharks are seen as fierce, powerful animal, but now, it has turned into an object of exhibition. Hirst uses it as a metaphor of loses of pride when death comes, as it has loss the freedom to wonder in the ocean and now it is trapped in a small tank. Although the shark has been degraded and became pathetic, viewers would still be scared of the model of the shark, reflecting humans' fear of death.
The shark served as a Memento Mori, reminding the viewers that one day, you will die and loss all your previous early possessions, pride and social status, like the shark in the tank.
"Pharmacy" in Tate Modern is considered to be a reflection of modern medicine as a device to extent life as a result of increased fear of death and obsession with health and fitness. Suggesting a change of what people considered valued in their life. Health and fitness have also developed a strong attachment as technology advanced over time.
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