# Surreal Story-Telling Collages Artist Mark Boellaard Uses a Simple Approach to Art By Zoe Badley | Published 2010-08-30 | Updated 2010-09-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mark-boellaard References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2010/08/30/mark-boellaard/) & [collageadventures](http://www.collageadventures.com/) Although collages have the tendency to be a little confusing, the [collaged work](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes) of artist Mark Boellaard incorporates an interesting story to keep things clear. Each collage can be interpreted differently, while carrying a [surrealistic theme](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). The Amsterdam-based artist uses a very simple approach while delivering a strong and complicated concept. Be sure to check out the gallery for a closer look at the different pieces by Mark Boellaard. **Implications** - Consumers are increasingly looking to engage with escapist fantasies. This stems from the hyper-rational order of city life. Companies should consider creating campaigns that transport consumers to an altogether different place in order to foster a more meaningful relationship with them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 37% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Surreal Storytelling Art:** The trend of using surrealism in artwork to tell a compelling story that can be interpreted in different ways presents an opportunity for artists to create unique pieces that capture the imagination of consumers. - **Simple Approach Art:** The trend of incorporating a simple approach in creating complicated concepts presents an opportunity for artists to showcase their creativity and skill in conveying a message with minimal means. - **Escapist Fantasies Marketing:** The trend of consumers seeking an escape from the rationality of urban life presents an opportunity for companies to create marketing campaigns that transport consumers to a different place and foster a deeper connection with them. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** The art industry can take advantage of the trend of surreal storytelling and simple approach art to offer unique pieces that cater to the desire of consumers to be captivated by compelling stories and minimalism aesthetics. - **Marketing:** The marketing industry can capitalize on the trend of creating escapist fantasy campaigns that offer consumers a break from reality, creating a deeper relationship with them and fostering brand loyalty. - **Design:** The design industry can take inspiration from the trend of using surrealism and simple approach in creating compelling visuals and graphics that capture the attention of consumers, bringing a unique and captivating touch to branding and advertising. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Abstract Fantasy Home Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-fantasy-home.md) - [Playful Modern Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brent-estabrook-debuts-storytime.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.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) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md) - [Illusion-Inspired Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ripples-collection.md)