Although we could locate their origin to early Renaissance vanitas paintings, which were meant to remind the viewer of their own mortality (memento mori), skull artworks have taken on a myriad of different meanings. Today, the skull in art can symbolize violence, death, power, rock N’ roll, or even the fragility of human life. The skull, with its characteristic deep eye sockets and sharp bony angles, has become an iconic pop culture symbol. Many brands have taken it on as a logo, making it a part of the luxury street world. In the same way, artists have adopted it as a way to connect with past artistic traditions and contemporary visual codes. Skulls, whether in sculpture, painting, drawing or even photography, are still all the rage in the 21st century.
