“Skull” is an intriguing artwork by Octavio Ocampo, belonging to the Surrealism movement. The genre of this piece is considered a portrait, but, like much of Ocampo’s work, it often engages in visual trickery, presenting the viewer with a scene that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Ocampo’s expertise in the play of illusions positions this portrait within a tradition of surrealists who seek to blur the lines between reality and the subconscious.
The artwork presents an ambiguous scene wherein the central figure appears to be a woman holding up a large circular object above her head that at first glance looks like a big hat or a halo. Upon closer inspection, the circular object, along with other elements of the painting, combine to form the impression of a giant skull. This dual imagery is typical of Ocampo’s style, which often incorporates faces or figures hidden within more complex scenes.
The woman is framed by an array of baskets filled with various goods, many taking the shape of skulls and bones themselves, contributing to the overall macabre theme of the work. The colors are vibrant and rich, emphasizing the surreal and festive yet eerie quality of the painting. In the lower right corner, the artist’s signature “Ocampo” and the year ’91 are discernible, recording the work’s completion. The surreal portrait effectively challenges the observer’s perception, drawing them into a contemplative dialogue about life, death, and the mysteries that lie in between.
