# Retro Sci-Fi Illustrations Kilian Eng's Artwork is Surreal and Psychedelic By Meghan Young | Published 2011-11-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kilian-eng References: [neatorama](http://www.neatorama.com/2011/11/27/these-sci-fi-inspired-illustrations-are-electrifying/) & [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/KilianEng) For all those [80s kids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/16bit-display) out there, the Kilian Eng's [psychedelic, sci-fi illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacetime-transformation-lamp) will definitely be a trip down memory lane. Inspired by "circuit boards, science fiction and the finest graphic artists of the 1980s," as Neatorama so aptly reports, Kilian Eng's artwork is a mishmash of various retro influences. Kilian Eng's illustrations are especially reminiscent of French legend Moebius's work. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Kilian Eng is an illustrator, animator and graphic designer with a pension to create [surreal images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dal-collection) that follow rather fantastical story lines. Although the images are rife with vibrant Technicolor, there is a dark element to both, as though Kilian Eng has somehow managed to venture into the deepest part of the human mind and emerge to document his radical findings. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Psychedelic Art:** Psychedelic art is making a comeback with artists like Kilian Eng creating vibrant and surreal imagery that resonates with audiences. - **Retro Influences:** Artists like Kilian Eng are drawing inspiration from the 1980s and incorporating retro elements into their illustrations, appealing to nostalgia. - **Fantastical Storytelling:** Artists such as Kilian Eng are utilizing surreal and imaginative narratives to captivate viewers and transport them to otherworldly realms. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** The art and design industry can embrace the psychedelic trend, utilizing nostalgic and surreal elements to create visually captivating experiences for consumers. - **Entertainment and Media:** The entertainment and media industry can leverage retro influences and fantastical storytelling to create immersive experiences in movies, TV shows, and video games. - **Graphic Design and Animation:** Graphic design and animation professionals can incorporate psychedelic and retro elements into their work, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and engaging audiences in new and exciting ways. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mind-Bending Graphic Novels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/incal.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Classical Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sen-donnan.md) - [Psychedelic Skateboard Decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-psychedelia.md) - [Burgeoning Psychedelic Art Movements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychedelic-art-movement.md) - [Psychedelic Hand-Painted Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collection-iii.md) - [Marble-Patterned Interiors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/psychedelic-interior.md) - [Retro Space-Themed Puzzled Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-carter.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Luminous Galactic-Themed Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/space-couture.md)