# Eerie Realism Designers are using hyperrealism to create an unsettling viewer experience. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Sep 10, 2013, updated Sep 30, 2013 | Category: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/modern-art-and-design-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/eerie-realism ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Eerie Realism trend? **Eerie Realism:** 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: May 5 to Sep 10, 2013 - Published: Sep 10, 2013 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Asia ## Themes within the Eerie Realism trend ### Hyperrealism Designers are creating unsettling viewer experiences by using hyperrealism. ### Realism in Art and Design Realistic depictions of disturbing subject matter are gaining attention, sparking interest in realism in art and design. ### Life Imitating Art Artists are reconstructing subjects of abstract paintings as real people, blurring the line between art and reality. ## What the Eerie Realism trend means for industry ### For Art and Design The trend towards hyperrealism and realistic depictions of disturbing subject matter falls within the art and design industry. ### For Gaming and Entertainment Realistic video games, such as 'Always Sometimes Monsters,' mimic real life and offer a new form of entertainment and interactive storytelling. ### For 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. ## Trend signals for Eerie Realism Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 71%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 71% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Eerie Realism trend 7 featured examples from May 5 to Sep 10, 2013. - [Serial Killer Cakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dexter-cakes): These Dexter-Themed Desserts are Deliciously Graphic (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Bakeries can leverage the growing demand for customized cakes and unique designs to attract more customers and create new revenue streams. - [Disturbing Bird Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roast-swan-cake): The Roast Swan Cake by Conjurer's Kitchen is Incredibly Realistic (Category: Naughty) Implication: Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the field of food artistry, pushing the boundaries of creativity and realism. - [Real-Life Abstract Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-abstract): Flora Borsi Breathes Life into Abstract Artworks (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Opportunity for artists and designers to experiment with merging the worlds of abstract art and real-life subjects, pushing the boundaries of creativity. - [Hauntingly Realistic Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painted-portraits): These Portraits by Ruben Belloso Adoma are Incredibly Detailed (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Applying artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance and automate various aspects of the artistic process, from color selection to brushstroke… - [Hyperrealistic Candid Illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everyday-reflections): The 'Everyday Reflections' Series Explores Private Moments (Category: Art & Design) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity exists to create personalized, hyper-realistic fine art portraits using the latest digital media and 3D modeling techniques. - [Eerily Realistic Doll Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-portraits): These Baby Portraits Feature Extremely Realistic Infant Dolls (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Combining AI with realistic doll technology to create lifelike companions or caregivers for the elderly. - [Realist Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realistic-video-games): 'Always Sometimes Monsters' Mimics Real Life (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for game developers to create realistic and immersive gaming experiences. ## Recent trend clusters - [Shelf Heirlooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/display-worthy-packaging) (Art & Design) - [Mood Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/portable-ambient-lamps) (Art & Design) - [Gentle Diagnostics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/home-heart-screening) (Lifestyle) - [Targeted Macros](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/functional-protein-ingredients) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Art & Design - [Park-Model Tiny Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/park-model-tiny-homes) - [Recycled Neon Light Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encore-encore) - [Premium Robotic Cleaning Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-cleaning-system) - [Featherweight Dining Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/featherweight-dining-tables) All articles: [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)