# Terrifying Cannibalistic Art The Paintings of Karl Persson Are Unsavory By Luisa Amanda Gomes | Published 2010-03-13 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karl-persson References: [beinart.org](http://beinart.org/artists/karl-persson/gallery/paintings/#) & [karlpersson.org](http://karlpersson.org/) The artwork of Karl Persson is [terrifyingly realistic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/looks-delicious), yet imaginative. The figures of his paintings seem to have a life and world of their own, where they disregard society's norms and because of that they are radiant. The images could be described as horrific, yet the impact of those appalling images makes a statement. I find the artwork causes a reaction and provokes thought, which all great paintings tend to do. **Implications** - This [surrealistic artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1) exudes [elements of fantasy and surrealism](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dali-x-casetify) reminiscent of childhood. Because contemporary consumers face the pressures of everyday life, companies would be wise to offer products that provide these feelings of escape. Businesses will then be able to target a wide range of customers and have a leading edge over other competitors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Surrealistic Art:** Opportunity for companies to create products that offer consumers feelings of escape and fantasy. - **Provocative Art:** Chance for businesses to capitalize on artwork that evokes strong reactions and provokes thought. - **Imaginative Art:** Innovative businesses can tap into the market of consumers desiring imaginative and unconventional artistic experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists, galleries, and online platforms can showcase and promote the impact of surrealistic and provocative art. - **Entertainment:** Entertainment companies can incorporate surrealist and provocative art into films, TV shows, and performances for a unique and thought-provoking experience. - **Consumer Goods:** Companies in the consumer goods industry can create products inspired by surrealistic and imaginative art to offer consumers a sense of escape and creativity in their everyday lives. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [Artist-Designed Collectible Dining Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killer-napkins.md) - [AI-Generated Soup Can Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campbells-paintings.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Artsy Surrealist Tableware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gohar-world.md) - [Hyper-Realistic Flesh Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito.md)