# Freaky Fairytale Imagery Artist Lamar Peterson Puts a Dark Twist on Colorful Cartoons By Jaime Neely | Published 2011-05-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lamar-peterson References: [lifelounge.au](http://www.lifelounge.com.au/art-and-design/news/lamar-petersons-trippy-fairytales.aspx) & [richardhellergallery](http://www.richardhellergallery.com/dynamic/artist.asp?ArtistID=29) Brooklyn-based Lamar Peterson delivers a bizarre, dark and slightly twisted approach with his [fairytale-like collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alices-adventures-collection) of work. While at first glance Peterson's [vividly colored cartoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kenny-scharf-and-axel) may come across as simple fairytale depictions of children and families spending time together outdoors, a closer look will reveal much more [cryptic characteristics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition). While the backgrounds in the photos represent beautiful and fairytale-typical landscapes of mountains, flowing rivers and serene sunsets, the forefronts of the pieces paint a rather unsettling image. From children carelessly carrying around a massive head in a wagon, to Michael Jackson with a somber expression surrounded by giant snowflakes, Lamar Peterson's works are as unconventional as they are alluring. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Dark Depictions:** There is an opportunity for creative artists and graphic designers to create their own version of whimsical and eerie depictions of cartoons and illustrations. - **Cryptic Art:** There is space for art curators to explore the use of cryptic illustrations and paintings in a non-conventional and intense way. - **Reimagined Fairytales:** There is potential for authors and screenwriters to explore new depths in terms of retelling and adapting classic fairytales in a dark twist. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** The art industry is one that can leverage color, imagery and whimsical yet dark themes to showcase a new spin on traditional art forms. - **Publishing:** The publishing industry can explore renditions of classic fairytales with a darker twist, capitalizing on current trends. - **Entertainment:** There is potential for the entertainment industry to adapt classic fairy tales with unique and gripping adaptations bringing a darker, mature literature angle. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [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) - [Forgotten Theme-Park Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forgotten-fantasy.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Cartoonish NFT Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-like-you-youre-weird.md)