The Inside Joke
The Narcissus Ascends
8.5” x 11”
Acrylic on Cardstock (Gel Plate)
10/26/2025
My latest artwork, “The Narcissus Ascends,” 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 explores narcissism and human behavior through my own lens, blending psychological insight with visual storytelling. “The Narcissus Ascends” focuses on the performative side of narcissism—the curated perfection, the endless travel, the illusion of a flawless life. For many narcissists, social media is their stage, and travel is their prop. Vacations are not about relaxation or discovery but about creating envy, admiration, and attention. Every sunset, meal, and pose is an act of self-promotion carefully designed to sustain their narcissistic supply. The more glamorous the trip, the deeper the insecurity it masks.
Grandiose narcissists, in particular, use travel as proof of their superiority. Their vacations are elaborate productions meant to declare success, wealth, and power. Social media becomes a tool of validation—a digital mirror reflecting the image they wish the world to see. Every photo and post serves as an opportunity to project dominance and control. Even their companions, whether family or friends, become background actors in their story. These curated experiences are not about shared joy but about capturing an image that screams importance. The narcissist’s constant need to be admired turns every trip into an emotional performance, one where authenticity is sacrificed for applause. To outsiders, it looks like paradise. To those closest to them, it feels like captivity.
Vulnerable narcissists, on the other hand, use travel and posting as a way to soothe their fragile egos. Their curated lives mask deep feelings of inadequacy and envy. By posting images of adventure and happiness, they temporarily escape the emptiness they feel inside. Vacations become a form of emotional avoidance—a distraction from unresolved pain and shame. For anyone traveling with a narcissist, the trip often becomes a nightmare of manipulation, tension, and emotional exhaustion. They create chaos to reclaim attention, turn beauty into competition, and use isolation to tighten control. “The Narcissus Ascends” is not just about vanity but about escape—the desperate climb to stay above the truth that waits beneath the reflection.
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Private Collection
https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/175380136?ref=studio-promote