# Morbid Tattoo-Inspired Artworks These Pen and Ink Illustrations by Elias Aquino Exude a Retro Air By Jana Pijak | Published 2013-05-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elias-aquino References: [inspirefirst](http://www.inspirefirst.com/2013/03/19/pen-ink-elias-aquino/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/eliasmiasme) These [pen and ink illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima) by Elias Aquino depict a range of [dark and morbid visual themes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funerary-urn) that range from grief to life and death. Capturing skeletons, skulls and ghostly human figures, the visual artist creates black and white images that are displayed within oval-shaped frame vignettes. Illustrator Elias Aquino explores cultural symbols and examines a wide variety of superstitions surrounding life and death in his morbid yet striking pen and ink image series. Resembling [retro tattoo artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/86-tattoo-limited-edition), these stunning illustrations stand out thanks to their monochromatic palette and striking subject matter. The artist creates a series of intricately detailed art works that reveal an unexpected sense of beauty despite of their dark and grim subject matter. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Dark Art:** Artists can explore the morbid and dark themes to create visually striking and emotionally evocative artworks. - **Retro Tattoo-inspired Illustrations:** Incorporating elements of retro tattoo styles into illustrations can create unique and captivating visual aesthetics. - **Exploring Life and Death Symbolism:** Examining cultural symbols and superstitions related to life and death can inspire thought-provoking and meaningful artistic creations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Design:** Artists can create dark and visually engaging artworks within the art and design industry. - **Tattoo and Body Art:** Tattoo artists can draw inspiration from retro tattoo styles to create unique and captivating body art designs. - **Illustration and Graphic Design:** Illustrators and graphic designers can explore the use of life and death symbolism in their creations to create visually impactful illustrations and designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Artistic Rum Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artists-of-the-abyss.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Celebrational Beer Can Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modelo.md) - [AI Tattoo Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sketch-tattoo-ai.md) - [Tattooed Digital Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superlotl-by-inkbox.md) - [Dainty Minimalist Temporary Tattoos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winterstone.md) - [Online Tattoo Art Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blackdot.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md)