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# Urban Decay Illustrations (UPDATE)
Artist Alex Lukas Recreates Cities with a Fresh Eye

By Jordan Sowunmi | Published 2011-09-11 | Art & Design
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artist-alex-lukas
References: [booooooom](http://www.booooooom.com/2011/09/09/mixed-media-drawings-by-artist-alex-lukas/) & [alexlukas](http://www.alexlukas.com/)

Boston-based artist Alex Lukas has an expert eye for recreating major metropolises as well as rural towns while embroiled in the throes of complete and utter disarray.

As an artist, Alex Lukas benefits greatly from his technical proficiency. His work is detailed, sharp, and original. His technical ability likely comes from his formal training at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where he earned his [BFA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customdesigned-painting-kit) in 2003. Lukas' unusual and very distinctive aesthetic have helped him garner attention from [art galleries around the world](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greg-mike1). His work has been exhibited as far away as the Galleri Loyal in Stockholm, Sweden, as well as the Telefon Tel Chefen gallery in Copenhagen, Denmark.

As an artist, Alex Lukas' biggest skill is his ability to create stark contrasts with his work. While one illustration shows a major metropolis underwater, another shows a series of buildings with roof gardens growing out of every single one. Without making an explicit statement, Lukas makes one implicitly by offering these illustrations side-by-side.

Up next for Alex Lukas: A [solo show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kennedy-yanko) at the Guerrero Gallery in San Francisco from September 10th-October 8th 2011.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.7/10
- Popularity: 42% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Illustrative Realism:** The trend of highly detailed and realistic illustrations that generate a surreal and thought-provoking effect.
- **Urban Disruption:** The movement towards alternative depictions of urbanization and its disarray through art, leading to critical conversations about social issues.
- **Environmental Awareness:** The trend of using art to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire positive change.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Art:** Opportunities for artists and galleries to explore and promote innovative approaches to illustrating social, environmental, and cultural issues.
- **Advertising:** Opportunities to use realistic, thought-provoking illustrations to connect with consumers and promote brands and products with important messages.
- **Film/tv:** Opportunities to use illustrative realism to create new and provocative narratives for film and television, disrupting traditional cinematic depictions of urban life.

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