obscurum (5)
Created on: Friday, July 03, 2026
This collection of photographs created by James Bostick explores both the dark and light side of his approach to still life imagery. The included themes are inspired by the ”Wunderkammer” collection from his Salem home, and an art historical exploration of symbolism frequently found in still life work by the masters of painting.
The dark side reveals the poetry of bones and the beauty of decay. Cabinets of Curiosities are a centuries old practice of collecting beginning in Europe during the Renaissance. “Kunst-und wunderkammern” translates to “cabinets of art and marvels,” is often shortened to “wunderkammer,” meaning “room (or cabinet) of wonder.”
The light side features still life imaginations of objects of curiosity and include symbols imbued with meaning. Still life paintings often include fruit representing abundance, prosperity, fertility, transience, and mortality.
