# Hyper-Utopian Suburb Illustrations Anton Van Hertbruggen Renders Strangely Cozy Graphics By Sophia Pelka | Published 2012-03-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anton-van-hertbruggen References: [english.mashkulture.net](http://english.mashkulture.net/2012/03/21/the-art-of-anton-van-hertbruggen/) & [antonvanhertbruggen.blogspot](http://antonvanhertbruggen.blogspot.ca/) Anton Van Hertbruggen renders highly relatable depictions of modern suburban life in his collection 'Memories of a Suburban Utopia.' He borrows traditional book art styles, popular in the 70s, to immediately evoke a strong [nostalgic appeal](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio). The illustrations are constructed into an accordion book, emphasizing the motif of childhood memories. Van Hertbertbruggen's illustrations exhibit scenes of [mundane, realistic life in a suburb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper). However, Van Hertbruggen sprinkles [fantasy images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apartment-with-a-lizard) onto the trivial scenes. A UFO is seen flying through the air, a bear spanned out in the sky and a dinosaur peaking out over rooftops. Anton Van Hertbruggen grew up in the suburbs of Antwerp, Belgium in the 90s. Drawing from his own memories and fascination with voyeurism, the artist explored isolation and the private, yet possibly thrilling lives of the people behind the fences. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Nostalgic Book Art:** Opportunity for artists and illustrators to create modern interpretations of traditional book art styles, evoking a strong nostalgic appeal. - **Suburban Fantasies:** Potential for incorporating whimsical and fantastical elements into depictions of suburban life, adding an element of surprise and escapism. - **Exploring Isolation:** Opportunity for artists to explore themes of isolation and the private lives of people in suburban settings, delving into the psychology of suburban living. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Illustration:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and illustrators to experiment with unconventional styles and incorporate fantasy elements into their artworks, appealing to a nostalgic audience. - **Book Publishing:** Opportunity for book publishers to release modern accordion-style books that evoke nostalgia and appeal to readers seeking a unique visual experience. - **Psychology and Sociology:** Potential for researchers and sociologists to conduct studies on the psychological and sociological aspects of suburban living, exploring themes of isolation and the impacts on individuals' private lives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Whimsical Futuristic Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yoohome.md) - [Pixelated Illusion Housing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-b.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Social Experiment Virtual Apartments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncanny-spaces.md) - [Striking Urban Wildlife Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-allin.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md)