Skull and Flies Painting

A human skull surrounded by larger than life flies aims to explore the recycling of nutrients and energy in an ecosystem. Decay means fungi and bacteria are breaking down molecules. I find this decomposition to be a beautiful process. The acrylic paint, which is made of plastic, is a very human material, which contrasts with the natural wood it is painted on.

Painting on wood of a human skull in profile flanked by two black flies with stained-glass patterned wings.
Close-up painting of a fly's wing in stained-glass panes of blue, green, red, and orange against mint and violet.
Bold painting detail of a black fly silhouette with spiny legs crossing vertical bands of magenta, teal, orange, and green.