In this series of illustrations, Artur Sadlos puts a new twist on a classic story. The Breslau, Poland-based illustrator has re-imagined Alice in Wonderland as a dark tale about a mentally ill girl falling down the rabbit hole of her own delusions.
Almost since its publication, Alice in Wonderland has been reinterpreted by countless artists, writers, directors and actors, though few of these interpretations have taken on a tone as tortured as Sadlos.
Throughout the series, Alice is seen cackling and wreathing in the throes of her delusion and mania. The Cheshire Cat is portrayed as a graffiti mural on the wall of some worn down, dumpy building. In the original book, the Rabbit was a fretful and timid creature, but in this reinterpretation he is menacing and conniving.
The illustrations are dark to say the least.
Deranged Fairytale Art
Artur Sadlos Illustrates a Journey Down the Rabbit Hole
Trend Themes
1. Deranged-fairytale Art - A trend of dark, unsettling interpretations of classic fairytales and stories that shed light on mental illness and psychological disorders.
2. Twisted Children's Stories - A trend of re-imagining classic children's stories with sinister undertones and unsettling themes.
3. Psychological Illustrations - A trend of illustrations that explore and visualize the inner workings of the human mind and its various disorders.
Industry Implications
1. Illustration Industry - This industry could take advantage of the trend by promoting collaborations with creatives who can put a dark spin on popular stories and fairytales, in order to engage with new audiences.
2. Publishing Industry - This industry can explore the trend by encouraging authors and illustrators to produce original works of literature that tackle darker themes and psychological issues for a young-adult audience.
3. Film and Television Industry - This industry could benefit from the trend by producing edgier and more mature adaptations of beloved children's stories, exploring complex psychological themes with a broad audience.