Perplexed 2022

Jason Limon made this perplexing piece sometime in the 20th century, using paint to bring a geometric skull to life. What strikes me first is the texture – or the illusion of it. Each tile seems carefully pieced together, with the edges sharp and defined. Look closely, and you’ll see how Limon uses subtle shading to create depth, making the skull feel almost three-dimensional. The color palette is muted, with grays, blacks, and reds creating a somber yet intriguing mood. My eye is drawn to the skeletal figure perched atop the skull, it’s a playful touch that adds another layer of complexity. It’s a reminder that art, like life, is full of surprises and unexpected twists. Limon's work reminds me a little of Chris Ofili, in that both artists draw on a vocabulary of signs and symbols to explore ideas of mortality. Ultimately, this painting is about embracing ambiguity and finding beauty in the unexpected.