The Bare Bones of Narcissism
The Bare Bones of Narcissism is my latest gallery collection and an unflinching artistic exploration of narcissism, its origins, its trauma, and its lasting impact on those forced to live within its reach and especially those who survive it. The series draws from survivor accounts, observed patterns, and my own lived experience. Through skeletal figures, each work strips both the narcissist and their victims down to their core, removing charm, image, and performance to reveal what remains beneath. These pieces examine the formative damage that shapes narcissistic behavior and the conditions that follow it across a lifetime, from cycles of infidelity and affairs to an unrelenting hunger for validation and control.
Throughout the collection, the narcissist’s chameleon nature is laid bare. Figures shift identities to secure approval and supply, displaying emotional detachment, calculated intimacy, and sudden discards that leave devastation in their wake. The damage does not end with romantic partners. It spreads outward through families, friendships, workplaces, and generations, eventually exposing patterns that can no longer be denied. Children, in particular, appear as silent witnesses and casualties, shaped by environments where love is conditional and identity is molded to serve another’s ego.
This body of work is not only about destruction but about endurance. By confronting these dynamics visually, the collection seeks to validate survivor experiences, foster recognition, and disrupt the isolation that narcissistic abuse often creates. Narcissism exists within the dark triad of psychological traits, and fewer than five percent of those affected ever reach the level of self awareness required to seek help. In an age driven by social media and algorithmic validation, these traits are amplified, rewarded, and normalized, further entrenching cycles of harm.
The purpose of this collection is to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and offer a sense of visibility to those who have lived through these dynamics. If you feel compelled to help beyond the gallery space, consider supporting research into narcissistic pathology or donating to organizations that assist survivors, including Women’s Advocates, The Salvation Army, and No Longer Silent. This work stands as both testimony and reminder that while narcissism consumes, survival is possible, and truth endures.