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Macabre and Decorative New Works by Magnus Gjoen

British digital artist Magnus Gjoen has an unmistakeable style that decorates macabre subjects, previously featured here. It's jarring but also awe inspiring work that makes you look twice; images of the crucifixion, political figures, and flowery skulls that recall his hey-day at Vivienne Westwood. In recent months, Gjoen has addressed our definition of beauty using opposing symbols of war and high society.

British digital artist Magnus Gjoen has an unmistakeable style that decorates macabre subjects, previously featured here. It’s jarring but also awe inspiring work that makes you look twice; images of the crucifixion, political figures, and flowery skulls that recall his hey-day at Vivienne Westwood. In recent months, Gjoen has addressed our definition of beauty using opposing symbols of war and high society. Threatening objects with the power to kill like tanks and machine guns are treated with a classical beauty. Stylistically speaking, he is taking inspiration from contemporary artists like Charles Krafft juxtaposed with the techniques of fine art. Although very different, Gjoen successfully brings together ideas of nihilism and spirituality, life and death. We take a look at his latest images below.

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Multimedia artist Magnus Gjoen has a signature way of combining grim imagery with classically inspired techniques. We recently featured his series of war weapons made to look like delicate 16th century blue and white porcelain. Can something so horrific also be considered beautiful? This is a central theme of Gjoen's upcoming solo exhibition "Monster", opening March 20th at Hang Up gallery in London. He began working on the show after reading an FBI article about a real-life monster, a serial killer who fantasized about children. In newly abstract illustrations, Gjoen seeks to reveal the killer's beautifully disturbed psyche.
South Carolina based artist Chris Nickels creates digital illustrations inspired by scenes from his surroundings and childhood spent in Athens, Georgia. Among his favorite memories are hiking and fishing in the river with his friends, which explains his affinity for nature. He is also a fan of old cameras and polaroid photography which he sometimes posts to his instagram account. His palette is reminiscent of his polaroid's faded colors like light greens, earthy blues, yellows, and corals. Each work begins at the drawing stage using traditional materials like pen, ink, acrylic, and pencil before it is finished off digitally. Nickels calls Photoshop the "glue" that brings the piece together.
You have probably seen the work of Lithuanian artist Karolis Strautniekas- he has worked with Audi, Mini Cooper, The New York Times, among many other global enterprises; while his personal projects are lesser known, they powerfully convey Strautniekas’ aptitude for color and composition. “Portraits from Behind,” one of his ongoing personal projects, takes an unconventional perspective when approaching portraiture. This voyeuristic series of illustrations focuses on those intimate moments when our backs are turned.
On April 30th, Leontia Gallery in London will follow their previous group show "FLESH" (covered here) with "CONSUME". The show highlights accomplished urban artists whose works generally make a satirical message about consumerism- Schoony, Magnus Gjoen, Rococo Wonderland, Juan Barletta, Carne Griffiths, and Jean-Luc Almond. They simultaneously poke fun at society, while promoting change by confronting us with its lunacy and problems. Ironically, some of these artists have become celebrities among the celebrity-obsessed lifestyle they satirize.

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