Niclas Warius: Vanitas Chimitoensis

The series Vanitas Chimitoensis came about when photographer Niclas Warius (b. 1972) searched for the soul of businessman and art patron Amos Anderson (1878-1961) at his former summer residence Söderlångvik in the autumn of 2018. The place, which had recently closed its doors for a three-year renovation, was in many ways in a poor and worn condition. Warius rummaged through the building from attic to basement looking for signs and clues, objects and moods for his still lifes. The artist’s imagination combined with the environment of Söderlångvik to create captivating and enigmatic works that, instead of luxurious facades, depict something bizarre and twisted. The mood of the images is calm, melancholic and nostalgic, time seems to stand still. We don’t really know which decade we are in.

The series of symbolic still lifes is one of Niclas Warius’ extensive production with a vanitas theme that has been shown in many exhibitions in Finland and Sweden. Vanitas paintings deal with the transience of worldly wealth and were popular especially in the Netherlands in the 17th century.

Niclas Warius’ exhibition Vanitas Chimitoensis is shown at the restaurant at Söderlångvik since the summer of 2019.