​Over the course of three years, Josh Tiessen spent 5,000 hours creating 23 new works for the series Vanitas + Viriditas. The title is Latin for “Vanity” and “Vitality” and reflects the dual approaches to wisdom explored by two characters Qohelet and Sophia (based on Ecclesiastes and Proverbs) and their animal companions. The series debuted at the prestigious New York City gallery Rehs Contemporary from April 28 – May 26, 2023, with positive reviews appearing in Forbes, Fine Art Connoisseur, and American Art Collector.

 

Now, all the paintings, drawings, and artist statements written by Tiessen to accompany the work are presented in a beautiful full-colour coffee table book (152 pages). A foreword by award-winning art critic Natasha Gural contextualizes the painting series, and an original soundtrack composed by Zac Tiessen accompanies the project. This soothing soundtrack, recorded at the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, is available on Apple Music and Spotify, and as a CD album.

 

If you are an art enthusiast, nature lover, or deep thinker, Vanitas + Viriditas will be a special keepsake in your home, providing beauty, wonder, and reflection for years to come. Part of the proceeds from each sale (10%) will be donated to conservation organization, A Rocha Canada.​