Energetic Paintings of Human Skeletons That Are “Alive With Color”

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

The tradition of still life painting has often involved odd arrangements of motifs, like skulls and fruit. Artist Cam Rackam takes inspiration from these classical compositions in his series of macabre paintings. His eye-catching, Baroque-like canvases depict hyperrealistic human skeletons decorated with colorful botany in dramatic style.

Based in Huntington Beach, California, Rackam spent years studying the subtle details of still lifes. Now, the artist applies his masterful knowledge of anatomy and light to surreal paintings that explore morbid subject matter. Many of his canvases show human skulls or skeletons against a stark black backdrop, surrounded by varieties of flowers. Occasionally, the boney figures are even accompanied by the occasional butterfly.

Rackam's dramatic contrasts of light and dark and living and nonliving make an immediate impression on the viewer. It seems as though the artist's creative decisions celebrate the macabre, and even make spookier motifs more palatable and eccentric. For this reason, Rackam's highly individual art has extended beyond painting, into the forms of tattoos, skateboard designs, and album art.

Original paintings and prints of Rackam's work are available for purchase via his shop. And, to keep up to date with the artist's latest creations you can follow him on Instagram.

Californian artist Cam Rackam specializes in macabre skeleton paintings.

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

He depicts the dead figures with vibrant motifs like flowers and butterflies.

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam Skeleton Paintings

Cam Rackam: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Cam Rackam.

Related Articles:

Artist With Migraines Creates Kaleidoscopic Paintings to Show How She Sees the World

Interview: Surreal Paintings of Sharks “Swimming” in Mid-Air Show a More Peaceful Side

Artist Creates Poetic Oil Paintings to Pay Homage to Prehistoric Animals

Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content