# Surreal Steampunk Illustrations Santiago Caruso's Work is Dark and Unreal By Carly Foy | Published 2011-05-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santiago-caruso References: [sweet-station](http://sweet-station.com/blog/2011/05/santiago-caruso/) & [santiagocaruso.ar](http://www.santiagocaruso.com.ar/index.html) Santiago Caruso's illustrations are deceptively dark and capture a surreal aesthetic. Santiago Caruso's illustrations are done in a steampunk style, with an old 1800s feel. Almost all of his illustrations have a unique composition of different materials. This is displayed clearly through one of his pieces, a [portrait illustration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moynat-x-kasing), in which the viewer sees compositions of guns for eyes, pills for teeth and a pig as the head (which, ironically, could be interpreted as the subject being pig-headed). The images are done in dark, dreary colors and seem to be plays on human perceptions of one another as well as sins. Santiago Caruso's illustrations have been used for publications such as the 'Three Great Plays of Shakespeare' and 'Don Quixote' for [Penguin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/penguin-x-moebe-book-stand) Readers. Santiago Caruso's illustrations are must-sees for anyone who appreciates [surreal art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Steampunk Illustration:** Opportunity to embrace the steampunk aesthetic and create innovative illustrations using a blend of old and new elements. - **Surreal Art:** Chance to explore unconventional and dreamlike visuals that challenge human perceptions and tap into the subconscious. - **Mixed Media Composition:** Potential for combining different materials and mediums in illustrations to create unique and visually striking compositions. ### Who This Affects Most - **Publishing:** Incorporate Santiago Caruso's surreal illustrations in book covers and interior artwork to enhance the reading experience and attract readers. - **Art Galleries:** Feature Santiago Caruso's steampunk and surreal illustrations to attract art enthusiasts and create a unique and thought-provoking exhibition. - **Graphic Design:** Apply the steampunk and surreal aesthetic of Santiago Caruso's illustrations in digital and print media designs to captivate audiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dal-collection.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Surrealist-Inspired Clock Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-clock.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Surreal Love-Themed Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joakim-ojanen.md) - [Surrealist Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dali-x-casetify.md)