A curation by Flavio Scaloni, Gallery Manager at Galerie Lo Scalo - The enduring theme of Vanitas, or vanity, remains a potent source of inspiration for contemporary artists, reflecting on the fleeting nature of earthly life and the certainty of death. The genre is traditionally associated with powerful symbolism: skulls, hourglasses, extinguished candles, and decaying fruit all signify memento mori—a reminder that life is brief. Psychologically, it addresses the universal anxiety surrounding impermanence and the futility of worldly pursuits. In Art History, its development extends far beyond the 17th-century Dutch masters. From the mid-20th century, artists re-engaged with the theme using modern media. A notable artwork is Andy Warhol's Skulls series from 1976 (printmaking/painting), which subverts the traditional symbol with Pop Art's fascination with glamor and repetition. Another famous contemporary artist is Damien Hirst, whose diamond-encrusted sculpture For the Love of God (2007) is a spectacular meditation on wealth, decay, and mortality. The celebrated American photographer Cindy Sherman has also explored themes of aging, appearance, and the ephemeral nature of identity, which resonates deeply with the concept of vanitas and vanity. This selection explores how emerging artists interpret these ancient symbols with fresh, modern urgency.