# Realistic Addiction Art The Unbelievable Paintings of Ryan Shultz Depict Substance Abuse By Armida Ascano | Published 2010-10-23 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ryan-shultz References: [booooooom](http://www.booooooom.com/2010/10/22/artist-painter-ryan-shultz/) & [ryanshultz](http://ryanshultz.com) These rebellious works by Ryan Shultz are completely controversial, but breathtaking. The beauty of these [portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits) is not only the realism that Ryan Shultz achieves, but his uncanny ability to capture human nature. The nature of an addict is already difficult to understand, nevertheless depict on paper. Ryan Shultz achieves this impossible task with impressive [artistic skill](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition) and an understanding eye. Though the subject of his art is controversial, Ryan Shultz does not take a punishing tone towards his subjects. Instead, Shultz successfully depicts [substance use](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kristofferson-san-pablo) in daily life. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 99% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Realistic Addiction Art:** Exploring the trend of art that portrays substance abuse with a realistic approach. - **Controversial Portrayals:** The trend of artists creating provocative and challenging artwork that sparks dialogue and debate. - **Human Nature Reflection:** The trend of artists capturing the complexities and nuances of human nature in their artwork. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Entertainment:** An industry that can benefit from embracing provocative and controversial art styles that resonate with audiences. - **Mental Health and Addiction:** An industry that can explore innovative ways of raising awareness and initiating conversations about addiction through art and visual storytelling. - **Psychology and Therapy:** An industry that can utilize realistic addiction art as a tool for therapy and understanding of addiction-related issues. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Raw Sports Emotion Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-exhibition.md) - [Suburban-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suburbaninspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md)