The Decay of Beauty, The Beauty of Decay

Thoughtful exhibition at Colnaghi London of work from over 1000 years which explore the close link between beauty and its inevitable decay.

The show explores the classical themes of vanitas and memento mori using objects from Ancient Egypt to contemporary work. It also takes work from both the Western and Eastern traditions which you don’t usually see.

There were some stunning works such as this painting of skulls and a fine a trompe-l’oeil  painting. The second gallery was dominated by two huge architectural capricci which gave an immersive effect.

I had an interesting chat to the curator what explained more of the themes. Sadly the show had closed by the time I wrote this up and all detailed information which I was reading on my phone as I walked round the show seems to have disappeared from the website so apologies for the lack of detail.

Closed 8 November 2024

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