Trompe-L’œil Paintings by Jason Limon Reveal a Hidden Skeletal World

If you were to rip open a tattered matchbox, what might you find hidden in its confines? And what’s lurking behind biological renderings and advertisements? Jason Limon imagines a playful world in which vintage illustrations are the colorful veneer concealing a vast, three-dimensional universe populated by skeletons.

The San Antonio-based artist has long painted otherworldly scenes dominated by life after death, when bony figures are stripped of their identities and instead function as anonymous entities. Tapping into emotion and personal experience, Limon continues to conjure the uncanny through a cheeky approach to one of the most universal symbols.

a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn illustration of a tiger revealing a skeleton
“Matchbook Tiger,” 12 x 9 inches

In his most recent works blending acrylic and oil paints, the artist homes in on illusion, opting for a trompe-l’œil technique. Many feature a torn element, as if paper has been ripped away to reveal an otherwise invisible world beneath. While Limon incorporated this effect in previous works, it’s propelled his practice as of late because it offers more space for experimentation.

“It took a bit to press the brakes on how I work, but I intentionally decided to slow the pace of how I create the art while also trying to keep a little bit of playfulness,” he says. “As I play with painting in the background, it has taught me to loosen up in a variety of ways. At some point in the future, the two identities will creatively and visually merge as one.”

Originals and prints are available in Limon’s shop, and you can follow his practice on Instagram.

a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a skeleton performing as a circus clown
“Circus Clown,” 11 x 14 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a mastodon skeleton
“Perle des Indes,” 11 x 14 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn illustration of a rabbit revealing a skeleton
“Torn Rabbit II,” 11 x 14 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of tiny skeleton decorating a large skull
“Seen,” 8 x 8 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn illustration of a rabbit revealing a skeleton
“Torn Rabbit I,” 11 x 14 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a skeleton reaching out to touch a woman
“Brunette,” 11 x 14 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn illustration of a bird revealing a skeleton
“The Inseparables,” 12 x 9 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn illustration of a rcat revealing a skeleton
“Fading Feline,” 12 x 12 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of a torn matchbox revealing a tiny skeleton
“Matchbox Cyclist,” 9 x 12 inches
a trompe leoil painting by Jason Limon of tiny skeleton decorating a large skull
“Hush,” 10 x 10 inches

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Trompe-L’œil Paintings by Jason Limon Reveal a Hidden Skeletal World appeared first on Colossal.

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