Andy Warhol - Skulls Complete Portfolio (FS II.157-160)

Original Skulls Portfolio by Andy Warhol

The Skulls Complete Portfolio is a set of 4 screenprints by Andy Warhol. Skulls is a mesmerizing journey into the human condition, confronting us with the inescapable reality of mortality. Published in 1976, this series is a departure from Warhol’s earlier works, which often focused on celebrity and consumer culture.

The Skulls portfolio is based on object photographs taken by Andy Warhol’s assistant, Ronnie Cutrone. Using intricate play of light and shadow, Warhol creates a tension that beckons viewers into a contemplation of their own mortality. The portfolio consists of four prints, each featuring different color combinations that breathe life into the age-old theme of death. The vibrant hues of red, yellow, blue, and purple stand in stark contrast to the macabre subject matter, creating a thought-provoking juxtaposition.

This series signifies a pivotal shift in Warhol’s career, possibly influenced by his near-fatal shooting in 1968. By employing the skull as a motif, Warhol evokes the traditional genre of vanitas and confronts viewers with the inevitability of death. This significant body of work also showcases his ongoing exploration of the still life genre in the 1970s, which includes his Hammer and Sickle (1976), Gems (1978), Grapes (1979) and Space Fruit (1979) portfolios. Departing from the conventions of still life painting, yet using its traditional props, Warhol challenges preconceived notions of the genre. He employs color blocking techniques and abstract elements, transforming the subject matter into visually captivating compositions.