# Monochrome Nightmare Photography Arthur Tress Snaps Bizarre Shots Inspired by Childhood Nightmares By Megan Facciuolo | Published 2014-06-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childhood-nightmares References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com/submit-new/form) & [arthurtress](http://www.arthurtress.com/) Brooklyn-born photographer Arthur Tress depicts disturbing scenes that mimic childhood nightmares through his photos. His images are [surreal and slightly scary](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) and leave you with unsettling memories of your worst nightmares. Using a [monochromatic format](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color), the photographer captured scenes that include a caped man standing over a young boy, a little girl wearing a creepy mask, people with re-imagined and distorted body parts and zombie-looking creatures. All of them truly look like something pulled right out of a [horror movie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scent-of-a-nightmare). Tress describes his works as “magic realism” because the photos fuse improvised elements of real life with the phantasmal parts of our minds -- especially a child's. He says a child's creative imagination "is constantly transforming [its] existence into magical symbols” -- just like this art does. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Nightmare-inspired Photography:** Artists can explore the use of disturbing and surreal imagery to evoke emotions and tap into the subconscious. - **Monochromatic Visuals:** Utilizing black and white aesthetics can create a timeless and unsettling atmosphere in photography and other visual mediums. - **Magic Realism Art:** Blending elements of reality and fantasy can create thought-provoking and haunting artwork that resonates with viewers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fine Art Photography:** Photographers can experiment with unconventional techniques and subject matter to create captivating and unsettling images. - **Film and Media Production:** Filmmakers can incorporate nightmare-inspired visuals and themes to create memorable and immersive cinematic experiences. - **Psychological Horror Entertainment:** Artists and creators can leverage the power of nightmares to deliver spine-chilling stories and experiences in the horror genre. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Surrealist Shopping Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreams-is.md) - [Travel Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/all-within-the-detour.md) - [Horror Film Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-scent-of-a-nightmare.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Pop Art Legend-Honoring Dolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keiichi-tanaami-1.md)