Artist Ashkan Honarvar glamorizes bloody corpses in his Unnatural Death series through the use of gold leaf collage.
Based on gritty, black and white photographs, the series covers up some of the worst details with shiny gold foil so that viewers can look at the photos without being completely exposed to the gruesome sights. The golden collage elements act as the blood and impaled objects coming out of the dead bodies, yet the texture and shine distracts the eye and mind from being traumatized by the freaky imagery.
The gold foil has been placed on top of the photographs in the Unnatural Death series, often sticking out of the sides, demonstrating that death doesn't always fit a certain image.
Golden Gore Collages
The Unnatural Death Series Glamorizes Bloody Corpses
Trend Themes
1. Glamorized Death Imagery - Opportunity for artists to explore unconventional ways of presenting shocking imagery by employing glamorization techniques such as gold leaf collage.
2. Distraction as a Strategy - Potential to use distracting elements to divert attention away from disturbing content, making it more accessible to viewers.
3. Challenging Perceptions of Death - Opportunity to engage audiences in reimagining the concept of death by visually transforming gruesome images into aesthetically pleasing art.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Incorporating unconventional materials and techniques in art to challenge traditional perceptions and provoke discussions on sensitive topics.
2. Graphic Design - Exploring new ways of presenting shocking imagery to create visual impact without overwhelming the viewer.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Utilizing distraction as a strategy to effectively communicate and engage consumers with challenging or controversial content.