# Repurposed Pop Culture Illustrations Ben Hickey Re-Imagines Pop Culture Objects as Everyday Items By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-06-25 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ben-hickey References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/366661/Imaginative-Illustrator-Lets-You-Look-At-Mundane-Things-In-A-New-Fun-Light/?interstital_shown=1) & [benhickey365.tumblr](http://benhickey365.tumblr.com/) Ben Hickey, a Dublin-based illustrator, cleverly turns [pop culture objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-campbells-soup) into objects that people use on a daily basis. The hybrid drawings are surreal and almost look like optical illusions. He makes mundane objects look appealing and intriguing by simply infusing pop culture and cinematic symbols. He makes use of negative spaces by instilling symbols like the [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacethemed-collaboration) arches, Spider-Man's web and lightsabers from the Star Wars films. Some examples of the infusions include, a multi-colored pen that resembles a Star Wars weapon, a [Heinz](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-ai-ketchup) ketchup bottle that has Walter White branding, a pool ladder that resembles the McDonald's logo and an umbrella that represents Spider-Man's web. One of his more illusive illustrations includes two pianos spaced apart; the outline of of the spacing between them resembles an orchestra conductor. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Repurposed Pop Culture Objects:** Turn pop culture objects into everyday items for a unique and captivating user experience. - **Surreal Hybrid Drawings:** Create optical illusions and visually stunning artwork by combining different elements and symbols from pop culture and cinema. - **Negative Space Symbolism:** Utilize negative spaces to cleverly incorporate iconic symbols and logos, adding depth and intrigue to everyday objects. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Illustration and Design:** Provide innovative illustrations that reimagine pop culture objects for various design projects. - **Consumer Products:** Develop and market everyday items that integrate popular culture symbols, appealing to a broad range of consumers. - **Advertising and Branding:** Use repurposed pop culture illustrations to create eye-catching and memorable advertising campaigns that resonate with audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Classical Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sen-donnan.md) - [Crystal-Adorned Crushed Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sam-keller.md) - [Sci-Fi Show Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yusuke-hanai-1.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Retro Space-Themed Puzzled Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-carter.md) - [Surrealist Pop-Up Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surrealist-popup.md)