You Cheng Chong

Willetton Senior High School

Year 11

Oil on Canvas

40 × 50cm

In my oil on canvas painting, I aimed to reinterpret traditional Vanitas still life through a contemporary teenage lens. Depicting my desk surrounded by technology, CDs, notebooks and screens displaying vibrant landscapes, the work reflects my experiences growing up in a digital world. Inspired by Memento Mori paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, I explore the concept of the “death of reality,” highlighting a generational reliance on technology, escapism into virtual spaces and disconnection from the physical world. I carefully rendered details to create realism, varied textures and oversaturated colours to invite viewers into an alternate reality encouraging reflection on the pros and cons of technology and the impact on human connection.