The Inside Joke
My latest artwork, "A Wild Start," is equal parts social commentary, tied into the ongoing Halloween theme, and part of my larger series, "The Inside Joke" (you can see the full gallery at elvissantana.com). This series is an artistic exploration of narcissism through the prism of my experiences and interactions. "A Wild Start" focuses on the first stage of the narcissistic abuse cycle—lovebombing. This stage is deceptive, manipulative, and emotionally intoxicating. The narcissist creates an illusion of deep intimacy and connection through constant attention, flattery, gifts, and exaggerated displays of affection. It feels spontaneous, passionate, and even magical, but it is a calculated performance. The goal is not love, but control. The narcissist mirrors their target’s values, dreams, and desires, crafting the perfect reflection to hook them emotionally before the devaluation begins.
In romantic relationships, lovebombing often comes with intense sexual chemistry and a sense of destiny. Narcissists weaponize intimacy to establish dominance and dependence, presenting the relationship as extraordinary. Over time, this energy turns cold and manipulative. Sex becomes a tool for validation and control rather than genuine connection. The narcissist may use withholding, guilt, or infidelity as tactics to reinforce power. They may threaten to cheat, accuse their partner of being ungrateful, or use intimacy to rewrite emotional boundaries. When confronted, they gaslight, saying things like “you’re imagining things” or “you’re overreacting,” twisting the truth until the victim questions their reality. This psychological warfare creates confusion and keeps the partner emotionally tethered to their abuser.
The most insidious part of lovebombing is that it masquerades as passion. The victim often mistakes manipulation for love, believing the initial intensity was real. “A Wild Start” captures this contradiction — the glittering facade of affection that conceals emotional predation. It reminds us how easily validation can masquerade as intimacy, and how danger often hides behind charm. It is a reflection of the beauty and horror intertwined in relationships that begin as fireworks but end in ashes, leaving behind only confusion, self-doubt, and the haunting question of what was ever real.
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Private Collection
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