Hanging Skull of Gayle on Blue
This vibrant photographic collage intricately navigates the interconnected themes of beauty, sexuality, identity, and mortality. It draws heavily on the minimalist aesthetics of pop art, harmoniously integrating a bold yet straightforward colour scheme of unadulterated yellow, orange, cyan, blue, and red. The influence of pop art is further manifest in the piece's stylised simplicity, reminiscent of the reproducible nature inherent in the screen printing technique.
A striking focal point of the artwork is a human skull, ingeniously substituting the head of a nude female figure. The female form is adorned in an elaborate tapestry of tattoos, adding complexity to her identity. These tattoos have been painstakingly recoloured to echo the distinct chromatic tones of the pop art tradition, thus ensuring a harmonious visual unity throughout the composition.
An intriguing element of the piece is a hangman's noose draped around the figure's neck. The woman clings to it, subtly oscillating between life and death. The tension in her grip suggests an ethereal suspension, creating an illusion of her levitating in liminal space. However, the grip also signifies her self-salvation, saving herself from succumbing to the impending demise. This paradoxical symbol introduces a dramatic narrative, embodying a potent commentary on life's delicate balance, the power of self-determination, and the existential struggle for identity and survival.
--
Archival pigment on Cansom Aquarelle Rag 310gsm fine art paper with a textured surface. 
15 of 20 Limited Edition Prints for sale - 60cm x 84cm
NFT via Rariable. 
Back to Top