Analysis of Vanitas Art-based Nail Design

Abstract

In modern times, nail art has become more than just nail care. In fact, it has grown into a means of special nail treatment that requires a particular technique and personality expression. With rapid trend changes, the development of diverse designs and the increase in the desire for new art, there has been a rising demand for artistic, creative and unique nail designs. The secular desire describing human extravagance has been called ‘Vanitas’. Since the 17th century, still-life paintings that symbolized vanity in life became popular. During that time, a vanitas adopted a motif that implied the vanity of life such as an hourglass, skeleton, cigarette, candle without a flame, upside-down glass cup, wilted flower and rotting fruit as allegory. For this, the study investigated diversity in nail design by analyzing various nail techniques according to the tastes of the young generation by taking advantage of the characteristics of vanitas art - death, desire, futility and reflection. Therefore, first, this study examines theories on the philosophy and characteristics of vanitas art to suggest practical and artistic nail art. Second, it designs meaning according to an analysis of the characteristics of vanitas as a nail art motif through theoretical review and literature. Third, this study designs diverse backgrounds for nail art according to vanitas art. Fourth, it analyzes formative aspects according to the characteristics of vanitas art. The analysis of the formative aspects of vanitas-based nail design found that there were some changes with nail parts and irregular stone arrangement. In addition, a 3D curved design was created, using tapeline, string, figures and hanji (traditional Korean paper). Furthermore, diverse visual effects were generated by altering the expression of the plane texture or spatial layout of color. It’s anticipated that the study results would be helpful in maximizing the artistic utility of nail art as a means for nailists to express their personality, not just a way for simple nail care or treatment.