I’ve always had a fascination with sugar skulls, so Jonathan Koshi’s artworks really caught my eye.
Jonathan Koshi is a talented artist who’s well-known for giving pop culture figures a Day of the Dead makeover. He has reworked some familiar faces into that of a sugar skull, which represents a departed soul. The black-and-white portraits of icons such as the LEGO man head, Ultraman and Felix the Cat feature elaborate details that stay true to the traditional designs with flowers and meticulously drawn-out patterns. I especially love the Mario piece in which he incorporates several objects from the game into the piece.
The mix of pop culture figures with the imagery of a traditional holiday makes Koshi’s work a welcoming piece.
Sugar-Skulled Icons
Jonathan Koshi Gives Pop Culture Figures a Day of the Dead Makeover
Trend Themes
1. Day of the Dead Pop Culture - Exploring the trend of giving pop culture figures a Day of the Dead makeover, creating new and unique artwork with a traditional twist.
2. Sugar Skull Art - The trend of using sugar skulls as a medium for art, combining traditional designs with modern pop culture icons.
3. Mixing Traditional and Contemporary - The trend of blending traditional holiday imagery with elements of pop culture, resulting in artistic and visually striking creations.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Opportunity for artists and designers to create innovative and marketable artwork by incorporating traditional sugar skull designs into pop culture figures.
2. Entertainment - Opportunity for the entertainment industry to explore new merchandise and collectibles featuring pop culture figures reimagined with Day of the Dead aesthetics.
3. Fashion and Apparel - Opportunity for fashion and apparel brands to incorporate Day of the Dead-inspired designs into clothing, accessories, and footwear, combining traditional elements with contemporary trends.