A Joyful, Hopeful Skull
Kim Eric Lilot, “Self-Portrait without Skin,” 1997, 14k gold, platinum, and rubellite tourmaline cabochon, 7⁄8 x 1 1⁄2 x 1 in. (2.2 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, gift of Ann D. Cousins, 1998.80
While many people are afraid of death, Kim Eric Lilot sees it as an inspiration and a necessary part of the life cycle. He turns the fear of death into a celebration of life and diversity. In “Self-Portrait without Skin,” Lilot’s laughing skull “looks” at life through rose-colored glasses.
As an expert goldsmith and certified gemologist, Lilot uses a wide variety of materials, including red and green golds, tourmaline, lapis lazuli, and opals. He is inspired by nature and dreams, as well as life’s contrasts, including darkness and light, joy and sorrow, and life and death.
This artwork is in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s collection; it is not currently on view. To see more spooky—and some soulful—artworks, visit the museum’s blog.