The Inside Joke
My latest artwork, "The Head Shot," is equal parts social commentary and part of the ongoing Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos themes, as well as an inside joke (for those of you that get it). The head shot has become one of the most common symbols of our modern existence. It is the carefully curated first impression we share with the world, our digital mask in an era of constant self-presentation. Whether on professional platforms, social media, or dating sites, it serves as a mirror of what we want others to see rather than who we truly are. This duality is at the core of narcissism — the separation between the public image and the private reality. A narcissist’s “head shot” is their perfected façade: the executive, the leader, the influencer, the hero. Behind that image, however, lies manipulation, impulsivity, and an insatiable hunger for validation. The artwork explores how these masks become so convincing that even the narcissist begins to believe them, mistaking performance for identity. Beneath the surface, the cracks of deceit, emotional detachment, and control reveal the hollowness of that illusion.
In many cases, narcissists seek their validation through power, status, and wealth, often sacrificing genuine human connection along the way. Family, love, and children become secondary to the pursuit of recognition. Long hours at work, constant self-promotion, and the endless chase for success are used to fill a void that can never truly be satisfied. History and art are filled with examples — brilliant minds who connected the world yet failed to connect with those closest to them. Even their children, over time, begin to see the truth. The narcissist’s world becomes a silent kingdom of empty rooms and hollow accomplishments, where applause replaces affection and trophies replace love. Time, however, is the great equalizer. Nothing ages worse than a narcissist who can no longer control how the world sees them. If you or someone you love is dealing with narcissistic abuse, get help and counseling — for yourself and for them. Healing from the scars of emotional neglect and manipulation is possible, but it requires awareness, courage, and the will to break the cycle.
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Private Collection
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