# Scary Seafaring Sketches Oliver Hambsch Shows Death, Destruction and a Sense of Humor By Jessica Marcel | Published 2010-01-31 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oliver-hambsch References: [coroflot](http://www.coroflot.com/public/image_file.asp?individual_id=301888&portfolio_id=3259331) & [twitter](http://twitter.com/oliverhambsch) Oliver Hambsch is a South African artist. The complicated past of his country may have some bearing on the complicated present of his [drawings and sketches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series). The gallery shows just a taste of the sometimes morbid, always complex images that Oliver Hambsch illustrates. In the lead image, Oliver Hambsch has drawn a zombified [underwater sailor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-containers) holding a cleaver. The tattoo on the sailor’s arm, which reads ‘Smile,’ reveals a little humor amidst an otherwise [morbid scene](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garage-beer). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 57% | 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) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dark Art:** Opportunity for artists to explore and showcase morbid and complex images. - **Humorous Horror:** Emerging trend of incorporating humor into traditionally dark and scary themes, creating unique and unexpected artwork. - **Cultural Commentary:** Artists like Oliver Hambsch using their work to reflect on the complicated histories and present issues of their countries. ### Where This Applies - **Artistic Expression:** Art galleries and museums can tap into the growing interest in dark art and showcase artists who push boundaries and challenge traditional norms. - **Graphic Design:** Opportunity for graphic designers to create visually striking and unconventional artwork, catering to the demand for dark and humorous visuals. - **Social Commentary:** Artists using their work to provoke discussions and create awareness about societal issues, presenting an opportunity for collaborations with social activists and nonprofits. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Limited Humorous Art Prints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-shrigley-1.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Artist-Designed Collectible Dining Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killer-napkins.md) - [3D-Printed Colorful Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olivier-van-herpt-1.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md)