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Eerie Realism

Designers are using hyperrealism to create an unsettling viewer experience

Implications - Speaking to the acceptance of bizzare, shocking goods by consumers, products that are realistic to the point of being unsettling are capturing the attention of many. Whether applied in the food world or art world, this approach to design and aesthetics is attention-grabbing.
Trend Themes
1. Hyperrealism - Designers are creating unsettling viewer experiences by using hyperrealism.
2. Realism in Art and Design - Realistic depictions of disturbing subject matter are gaining attention, sparking interest in realism in art and design.
3. Life Imitating Art - Artists are reconstructing subjects of abstract paintings as real people, blurring the line between art and reality.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The trend towards hyperrealism and realistic depictions of disturbing subject matter falls within the art and design industry.
2. Gaming and Entertainment - Realistic video games, such as 'Always Sometimes Monsters,' mimic real life and offer a new form of entertainment and interactive storytelling.
3. Food and Beverage - Consumers' acceptance of bizarre and shocking goods are inspiring businesses, such as Mumbai Cakes and Cupcakes and Conjurer's Kitchen, to create realistic, disturbing desserts like the Roast Swan Cake.
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
7 Featured, 62 Examples:
871,751 Total Clicks
Date Range:
May 13 — Sep 13
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Serial Killer Cakes
Serial Killer Cakes
These Dexter-Themed Desserts are Deliciously Graphic
Normally desserts are supposed to make you hungry and kick yourself for deciding to start a juice cleanse, but Mumbai Cakes and Cupcakes has decided to turn that tradition on its head with bloody... MORE
Disturbing Bird Desserts
Disturbing Bird Desserts
The Roast Swan Cake by Conjurer's Kitchen is Incredibly Realistic
The Roast Swan Cake is a disturbing dessert on so many levels. It might not be overtly gruesome since most people are accustomed to seeing similar dishes served at their dining table, but the slight... MORE
Real-Life Abstract Paintings
Real-Life Abstract Paintings
Flora Borsi Breathes Life into Abstract Artworks
A series of real life abstract works by Flora Borsi reconstructs subjects of abstract paintings as real people. Taking abstract artworks, Borsi worked backwards to produce photo-realistic digital... MORE
Hauntingly Realistic Paintings
Hauntingly Realistic Paintings
These Portraits by Ruben Belloso Adoma are Incredibly Detailed
These shockingly realistic painted portraits are the handy work of talented artist Ruben Belloso Adorna. Each of these stunning paintings captures a different individual in incredible detail, making... MORE
Hyperrealistic Candid Illustrations
Hyperrealistic Candid Illustrations
The 'Everyday Reflections' Series Explores Private Moments
The ‘Everyday Reflections’ series aims to allow you to take an intimate look into the lives of a few Estonian subjects. Artist Heikki Leis created the hyperrealistic portraits to show... MORE
Eerily Realistic Doll Portraits
Eerily Realistic Doll Portraits
These Baby Portraits Feature Extremely Realistic Infant Dolls
Talented artist Rebecca Martinez’s baby portraits series ‘PreTenders’ features mothers and newborns, but these newborns are actually realistic dolls. Seeing the pictures in this... MORE
Realist Video Games
Realist Video Games
'Always Sometimes Monsters' Mimics Real Life
Ever think you’d make an amazing life coach? Put that hypothesis to the test with new realistic video game by Mashable at PAX, entitled ‘Sometimes Always Monsters.’ The game is structured to... MORE

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