The skull is one of the most recognizable symbols of today's contemporary visual culture. Adorning T-Shirts, badges and rock memorabilia as the ultimate symbol of anarchy and rebellion, the image of the skull has found its way into the vocabulary of urban life. In response to this cultural phenomenon, The Book of Skulls presents a cool visual guide to the skull, charting its rebirth through music and street fashion to become today's ultimate anti-establishment icon. From the Grateful Dead to skater punk graffiti, from high-couture to Damien Hirst, this book is the ultimate collection of cool and unusual skull motifs. Packaged in an amazing 'skeleton' binding and drawing together artwork from music, fashion, street art and graphic design, The Book of Skulls is a celebration of one of today's most iconic cultural symbols.
Table of contents
Introduction - overview of the significance of the skull in contemporary visual culture Seat of the Soul - cultural symbolism The crystal skull - new age phenomenon La Santa Muerte - Mexican folklore Cholo style - Chaz Bojorquez, street art I want your skull - music, 70s subversion Hells Angel - Bikers Face of evil - military history The art - the skull in fine art, Mapplethorpe to Hirst The fashion - the skull in fashion
