California-based artist Danielle Richy created some cool new dictionary art by combining circus-inspired Victorian illustrations with pages of text from vintage dictionaries.
These gorgeous artworks are perfect for anyone who finds the Victorian era one of romance and curiosity. Each illustration puts a twist on classic Victorian portraiture, injecting the portraits with mechanical elements. For example, one portrait shows a young woman, looking uninterested, off into the distance. The top of her head, however, is open, revealing a series of gears and pulleys, showing that she is, in fact, a machine. This is a clear reference to the Industrial Revolution, a transitory period wherein machines took precedence over human workers, and helped to define the Victorian era.
With these illustrations, Richy has demonstrated that artistic styles dating as far back as the mid-1800s can be modernized to produce some stunning contemporary art.
Circus-Inspired Dictionary Art
These Upcycled Vintage Dictionaries are Romantically Victorian
Trend Themes
1. Upcycled Art - Opportunity for artists to create unique artworks by repurposing vintage materials like dictionaries.
2. Steampunk Aesthetic - Potential for incorporating mechanical elements into traditional art styles to create a fusion of old and new.
3. Victorian Revival - Growing interest in nostalgia and the Victorian era, inspiring artists to reinterpret classic styles in a modern context.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists and designers can explore upcycled materials and alternative aesthetics to create innovative and visually appealing artworks.
2. Home Decor - Opportunity for home decor brands to offer unique and conversation-starting pieces inspired by Victorian and steampunk styles.
3. Vintage Collectibles - Potential for collectors to seek out and invest in vintage items with a modern twist, driving demand for unique pieces like circus-inspired dictionary art.