Skull as a symbol of life and death in contempopary art

When we investigate the human history, along the ages overview to the life and death is expressed with very different expressions and symbols and it is carried to the future by their culture, beliefs and traditions of societies. In religious beliefs in Eastern and Western cultures, human body has always been approached with different understanding. In this process the artists mostly took the most responsibilty and they carried their thoughts and ideas to future generations. They have fulfilled their duties to the societies by transfering the cultures of their age to the future generations. Because they are the ones who carry societies to the future. Perhaps the most important part of the human body is the brain. Also the organ which we are mostly curious about; its mystery and function. The view of the skull, that is a bone-shaped armor with a highly durable protective force surrounding the brain, doesn't change after brain death. Since the early day of history the socities have never reduced their interest in this empty armor of the brain, called the skull is an empty bone group. In some cultures despite the disappearance of the human body, not perishable skull is respected, help expected and it has caused a wide variety of beliefs. Also in some cultures the skull has become a means of revenge and something to be destroyed. Death percieved in a very different way in the beliefs and traditions of societies and it is an inevitable fact for every living. It brings pain and seperation. When life and death are carried from the past to the future, many short narrative paths, symbols are developed. The narratives and symbols that have passed from society to society, have become a common language. Carl Gustav Jung says "The fear of death is the fear of living." Eric From says "The fear of death is the fear of losing what he owns." Existentialism fort he fear of death isn't in favor of considering death and life separately. Existentialism considers them as two complementary parts. The artists who carried the period of his works to the future questioned the death and life in their Works in each new art movements. Artists explained life and death with many symbols. However the skull has always been the leading expression tool. Key Words: Society, life, death, symbol, skull