The Bare Bones of Narcissism
My latest artwork, "Hollow Country," is equal parts social commentary, an extension of the ongoing Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos themes, and an inside joke (for those of you that get it). On the surface, it features a portrait of a skeleton posing in a model fashion shoot wearing a wholesome country outfit. It is part of my larger series of paintings, "The Inside Joke" (you can see the full gallery at elvissantana.com), and serves as a deeper commentary on narcissism. More and more, social media presents picture perfect lives that move seamlessly from one curated scene to another, hiding the fractured stories and unhealed wounds beneath. The childhood trauma and emotional neglect that create the constant need for validation manifest in the endless search for new admiration, leaving behind a trail of discarded friends, lovers, and acquaintances as they chase relevance, youth, and approval.
This piece is the final version and one of three attempts at the same concept. Through each iteration, I found new meaning in the process itself, a reminder of how imperfection and persistence can lead to unexpected beauty. The artwork symbolizes how people cling to illusions of perfection while their inner selves remain hollow and unfulfilled. “Hollow Country” captures both the charm and the emptiness of appearances, where authenticity is often traded for attention. It stands as both a visual and philosophical reflection of what lies beneath the masks we wear.
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