Look deeply, listen closely…
Chapter One
Hidden in plain sight at the centre of a 300 year old painting lurks a mysterious void that promises oblivion to those who stare too intently. Download Vanitas now to inspect the evidence for yourself, listen to the experts and make sense of the past with its traces in the present.
Vanitas mixes podcast-style listening with beautiful visual materials to create an experience that is part documentary, part fantasy. Just like real life there is no narrator, so it is up to you to pull fact from fiction as the world unfurls before your senses.
70 minutes | 6 episodes | 24 pathways
visit cemetery…
Chapter Two
Somewhere near the centre of the cemetery a woman waits with a promise to explain the meaning of a mysterious flower delivery. The trouble is finding her as you pick your way amongst the graves, alone.
Vanitas is an opportunity to spend some time alone in the presence of strangers both living and dead. More than an app, Vanitas stretches from its recorded voices, original composition and images, out into your smartphone, the cemetery around you and into your life.
Warning: Contains adult themes including discussion of death, burial and cremation procesess. Involves moving alone through cemetery for approximately 60 minutes.
60-70 minutes | 11 episodes | 216 pathways
Features
an artwork for smartphones and cemeteries
FREE DOWNLOAD
The app and Chapter One is completely free. Download now and tell us what you think.CHAPTER ONE
Six short episodes explore all things Vanitas, featuring the voices of curators, florists, flower growers, botanists, flower painters and artists.ELEGENT INTERFACE
Unique, handcrafted interface based on Rachel Ruysch’s painting from 1700, Vase with Flowers.
IMMERSIVE SOUND
Don your headphones and tune into a soundscape created from field recordings, interviews and original music.CHAPTER TWO
Eleven short episodes explore the purpose of cemeteries, burial and cremation, taking you closer to your own date with destiny.UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
A new way to experience both your phone and cemeteries. Reflect on your own future and how you make meaning in your own life.COMING TO A CEMETERY NEAR YOU?
Vanitas has been presented at the Festival of Live Art, Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust, Melbourne Writer’s Festival and Sunshine Coast’s Horizon Festival. Now we are working with festivals, venues and iconic cemeteries around the world to bring you and Vanitas closer together.
FEEDBACK
kind words from Vanitas audience members
After the final episode concluded I continued to wander and explore a little longer... you had given me much to think about and reflect on. When I got home I listened again (several times) to all the episodes in the app. A fascinating journey you have taken us on!
I thought Vanitas was fantastic. A beautifully crafted set of narratives. Funny, well resolved and highly educational. It took me to some amazing places...
Thank you for an incredibly real and beautiful work - it was unlike anything I have ever experienced before and I was completely taken with it. The detail in the different layers that made up the experience was exquisite.
Vanitas was wonderful. Intriguing, moving, fascinating. I spent 2 hours and wanted more....Thanks creators. You have made a beautiful thing.
A fascinating exploration of death, presented in such a unique way. Thanks for the experience and the contemplation.
Immersive and intriguing as the first Chapter was, the cemetary session was a special gift, leading me - and deceiving me - to a still point from which to observe and ponder the turning world.
That was one of the most amazing immersive experiences that I have ever participated in. It is sure to be the highlight of the Melbourne Writers Festival for me!
Walking through Melbourne Cemetery this morning, all my senses tickled and turned. There was a moment when the flowers were moving in accordance to your music! It was very special, thank you for closing the gap between life and death.
WATCH TRAILER
LATEST NEWS
occasional stories from the team
Vanitas Nominated for Greenroom Awards
The Vanitas Team are delighted to have been nominated for the following Green Room Awards in the CONTEMPORARY AND EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCE category:...
Vanitas at Melbourne Writers Festival
Vanitas was recently programmed as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival (25 & 26 August and 1 & 2 September 2018) ,...
Vanitas at Horizon Festival, Queensland
Vanitas had its first outing outside of Victoria recently, when it was programmed as part of the Horizon Festival in Queensland....
Vanitas: An App To Die For
A new article in Pursuit by Robert Walton. The Webby Award-nominated, immersive art app that explores the themes of death and...
Vanitas has been nominated for a Webby – vote now
A new story by Robert Walton in Precinct. To read the whole story click here. To vote for Vanitas in The...
Vanitas Nominated for Webby Award
Webbys are the ‘oscars of the internet’ and our tiny team is over the moon to be nominated – it means...
it’s official…
Vanitas Nominated for Webby Award
Mobile Sites & Apps – Art & Experimental Category 2018
Webbys are the ‘oscars of the internet’ and our tiny team was thoroughly chuffed to be nominated – it means Vanitas is one of the five best projects in the world for our category.
Vanitas was the only artwork and only Australian team nominated in our category.
Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for the nomination.
FAQs
frequently asked questions
If you have listened to all of Chapter One, it is time to go to the cemetery.
1. Your own Apple or Android smartphone* with an internet connection,
2. Your own headphones,
3. An email address.
For the cemetery you will need:
4. An Australian mobile telephone number,
5. A coat or umbrella in case of rain or suncream and hat in case of sun,
6. Sturdy footwear. Heels, thongs/flip-flops not recommended,
7. Your own phone. Each audience member needs their own phone. Sharing one phone between two is not possible,
8. To download the App from App Store or Google Play before you visit.
*iPhone 5 or higher with up to date installation of iOS OR Android 4 or higher. Sadly at this stage we are not able to support Windows phones.
However, you can still fully appreciate Chapter Two as a stand alone experience. It is not essential to listen to Chapter One before you go, and you can listen afterwards if that's what works for you.
Keep checking the website. If new cemeteries come on board you will find out here first.
Also, if you've completed Chapter 1 we should have your details and can keep you up to date by email.
Details of the pictures in the app can be found on the credits page of this website.
You can also send us feedback, things you'd like to see in Vanitas and accounts of your experiences.
CREDITS
Creative Team
Vanitas Creators Robert Walton and Jason MalingInteraction Design and Programming Chris Heywood
Sound Design and Composition Rob Jordan
Graphic Design Paul Ducco at Supernaut
Producer Ryan Galbraith
Featured Interviewees
Sophie Mathieson National Gallery of VictoriaRoger Spencer Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Margaret Stones and Irena Zdanowicz
Elly Carroll Artist and Florist
Will Babbington, Dr Celestina Sagazio and Chris Gelley The Southern Melbourne Cemeteries Trust
Kythys
Thanks To
Everyone at Melbourne Market Cut Flower Trading Centre. Josh Wright, Jackie Johnston and Angharad Wynne-Jones at Arts House. Deirdre O’Brien at Auspicious Arts. Sara Jane Bailes, Tim Phillips, Ryan Galbraith and Louisa Lim. Asphodelus.Everyone who volunteered for test audiences.
Vanitas is part of In Your Hands, commissioned by Arts House and the Australia Council for the Arts through the New Digital Theatre Initiative.
Nominees like Robert Walton and Jason Maling (Vanitas) are setting the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet. It is an incredible achievement to be selected among the best from the over 13,000 entries we received this year.
– Claire Graves, Executive Director of The Webby Awards
CONTACT
send us your feedback, we’d love to hear from you
We are based in Melbourne
Please use the form to get in touch.
Cemetery Show Times
Daylight Hours