Still Life with Banana, Purse and Change, 2009. © Justine Reyes

The highly symbolic still life paintings associated with Flanders and the Netherlands in the 16th and 17th centuries are the inspiration behind Justine Reyes‘s photography in her Vanitas project at The Center for Photography at Woodstock. Historically, “Vanitas” as an art genre utilized morbid images layered with symbolism through objects such as skulls, wilting flowers and rotting fruit—dealing with the awareness of life’s impermanence and the inevitability of death. Personal artifacts and everyday objects help to define Justine Reyes’s photographic interpretation of the genre. Justine Reyes’s Vanitas will be exhibited concurrently from January 9–February 28, 2010, with Landscape Forever curated by Dion Ogust. An artists’ reception for both exhibits will be held on Saturday, January 9th from 5–7pm at The Center for Photography at Woodstock.

Still Life with Still Life Book and Figs, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Pomegranate and Birds, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Sugar Plums and Containers, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Drawers, Plate and Conch Shell, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Fish and Orange Slices, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Rock, Paper and Scissors, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Cup and Melon, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Rock, Paper and Scissors, 2009. © Justine Reyes

Still Life with Tea Set, Picture Frame and Cake, 2009. © Justine Reyes