THE ROLE OF SKULLS THROUGHOUT HISTORY OF ART
The human skull and the art world have a long and rich history, with the first skulls being displayed in homes recorded as far back as 7200BC in the Middle East. Skulls are predominantly regarded as a depiction of death; from the universally acknowledged warning symbol of toxicity and danger, to the skull and crossbones motif flown on the flags of pirate ships in days gone by, they are perceived as memento mori (a reminder of the inevitability of death). However, skull imagery is popular across many cultures, and carries a plethora of meanings. In Mexico for example, during the Dia de los Muertos festival, skulls are painted in rich, bright colours and placed at the graves of lost loved ones to commemorate the dead. This is a time of celebration, far removed from the mournful connotations it might otherwise carry. Skulls have played a notable part in art over the centuries, including Pablo Picasso’s 1946 lithograph ‘Black Jug and Skull’ and, more recently, Damien Hirst’s 2007 ‘For the Love of God’; a skull cast in platinum and set with 8,601 VVS to flawless pavé-cut diamonds. Two contrasting approaches, and yet both equally important in the context of art history. Skull pop art has found rising popularity within the past decade, and both Jeffrey and Michael Bisaillon use new technologies to create “uber-contemporary” 3D skulls that are vibrant, abstract and bold. There are two distinct aspects in each skull artwork: the symbology of the skull is one, the abstract painting encased in each skull is the other. They combine to evoke the sense of transformation intended by the artistic duo.
Noodle (above) Original Boxed Canvas Image Size 81cm x 102cm £5,950
Noggin (left) Original Boxed Canvas Image Size 81cm x 102cm £5,950
80 FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2020
FINE ART COLLECTOR AUTUMN/WINTER 2020 81
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