Artist and illustrator Christian Herr has found a unique angle to provide his paintings with pop -- he recreates scenes from his trouble-filled and rowdy youth.
Christian Herr hails from the small-town of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, and attributes his staggeringly original artwork to the perfect combination of autobiography and fantasy. His images show what happens when you surround a troublesome kid with equally troublesome friends.
Some highlights from the Christian Herr portfolio include illustrations of a group of friends riding bicycles while laughing and looking like they don't have a care in the world, an incredibly overstuffed station wagon in an empty parking lot, and two rowdy friends covering trees in toilet paper. Christian Herr strongest skill is his ability to create illustrations so personal, yet so universal, each illustration resonates on a deep, gut level.
Up next for Christian Herr: an exhibition entitled "On the Wall," to be held at the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia, PA on September 2nd, 2011.
Additional Photo credits:
You Can't Fall Off the Mountain
Beautiful Decay
Practical Joke Paintings
Christian Herr Illustrates Real-Life Troublemaking
Trend Themes
1. Autobiographical Illustration - There is an opportunity for artists and illustrators to create deeply personal works that resonate with audiences on a universal level.
2. Nostalgia Marketing - Brands can tap into consumers' nostalgia for their youth by creating campaigns that evoke feelings of carefree and mischievous times.
3. Humor as Art - Artists can innovate by incorporating humor into their works to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Arts - The fine arts industry should embrace works that are autobiographical and deeply personal to engage audiences on a more profound level.
2. Advertising - Nostalgia marketing can be effective for brands to capture consumers' attention and tap into their emotions.
3. Entertainment - Comedians and humorists can use Christian Herr's work as inspiration to incorporate more personal and relatable material into their acts.