The Inside Joke
My latest artwork, "I'm Sorry You Feel That I Made You Feel This Way," 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). On the surface, it features a close portrait of a skeleton in a leather jacket, confident and stylish, posing as if for a high fashion magazine. But beneath the composition lies a much darker reflection of human behavior and emotional manipulation. This piece is part of my larger series, "The Inside Joke" (you can see the full gallery at elvissantana.com), which examines narcissism and the devastating effects it has on those caught in its orbit. The title itself is inspired by one of the narcissist’s most common tactics — gaslighting. Comments like “you’re imagining things,” “you’re overreacting,” and “it was just a joke” are not apologies; they are methods of control designed to make you question your own feelings and reality. This cycle of manipulation forms a trauma bond that keeps victims trapped, constantly seeking validation from their abuser. Whether it’s directed at a friend, partner, parent, or even their own child, these tactics are part of the narcissist’s pattern of emotional dominance.
You could be at your breaking point, hands shaking, tears streaming down your face, with your children crying beside you, and they will still stare at you with the cold emptiness of indifference. That is the chilling nature of the narcissistic discard — a moment when their emotional mask drops, and you see how hollow they truly are. Narcissism is part of what psychology calls the “dark triad” of personality disorders, marked by manipulation, cruelty, and a lack of empathy. It is important to understand that narcissists rarely become self-aware. Only a small percentage ever recognize their condition, and of those, even fewer do the painful work of addressing the childhood trauma that created them and the damage they continue to inflict. If you, or someone you love, is the victim of narcissistic abuse, seek help and counseling — for yourself and for them. Healing from narcissistic trauma takes time and professional support, but awareness is the first step toward recovery. For all our modern science and progress, we have only just begun to understand the depths of this mental illness and the emotional devastation it leaves behind.
Prints and merchandise are available at our #RedBubble and various other stores (links in bio).
Did you enjoy these artworks? See the full album and more at our different sites and shops. Just click the link in our bio for more. Make sure to follow us for all our latest posts. Don't forget to share our page! ❤️
Private Collection