# Unsettling Fashion Illustrations Michael Ostermann Uses Digital Art to Beautify and Scare By Kevin Young | Published 2012-03-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-ostermann1 References: [livefastmag](http://livefastmag.com/2012/03/art-crush-michael-ostermann/) & [michaelostermann](http://www.michaelostermann.com/) Michael Ostermann entices his audience with mixed signals. His illustrations are both highly [disturbing and beautiful](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery) at the same time. Ostermann uses [digital art techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prompting-nowhere) that produce riveting effects on his creations. His portrayals make his subjects look like they're possessed by a grim and avant-garde demon. There are some details in his pieces that point to a Christ theme, such as a [thorn crown](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyber-zombie). The contrast of this theme against the aesthetic attractiveness of his subjects is entrancing. The lurid, yet beautiful models seem to be overcome with features from the underworld. Most of the subjects in his work are obscured with layered effects to create puzzling figures. Michael Ostermann is an illustrator based in Vienna, Austria. Take a dive into this underworld where beauty and beasts coincide. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Disturbing Illustrations:** Exploring the combination of disturbing and beautiful imagery in digital art illustrations. - **Avant-garde Aesthetics:** Embracing unconventional and provocative artistic styles in digital art creations. - **Layered Effects:** Utilizing layered effects to create visually intriguing and puzzling figures in digital art illustrations. ### Where This Applies - **Visual Arts:** Opportunities for artists and designers to experiment with combining disturbing and beautiful elements in digital art. - **Fashion:** Exploring the potential for avant-garde aesthetics to influence and inspire fashion designs and runway shows. - **Entertainment:** Incorporating layered effects and visually intriguing elements in movies, TV shows, and digital media content. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Distorted Burger Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ailloween.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Stunningly Ornamental Furniture Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erm-studio.md) - [Warped Dynamic New-Gen Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vern-morph-and-form.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md)