# Humanized Nature Photomontages The Surreal Nature Art of Michael Jantzen Reveals a Human Spirit By Meghan Young | Published 2015-01-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-nature-art References: [archinect](http://archinect.com/michael-jantzen/project/revealing-the-human-spirits-in-nature-a-series-of-photomontages) As though inspired by the simple yet lovable character Groot from 'Guardians of the Galaxy,' the surreal nature art of Michael Jantzen, an artist based in Los Angeles, California, is full of unexpected personality. Focusing on [different species of trees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity), he has cast them through a kaleidoscopic-like lens in order to fabricate faces in their branches and leaves. Although the surreal nature art could also be construed as disturbing with the addition of eyes, the images are meant to reveal "the [human spirit in nature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anima)." Comprised of 17 pieces, the surreal nature art depicts such characters as Winter Tree Spirit, Cedar Tree Gremlin and Pine Tree Girl. The photomontages introduce a different way to appreciate the great outdoors and Mother Nature herself, one in which imagination takes front row seating. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Surreal Nature Art:** Opportunity for artists to create unique and thought-provoking artwork by blending nature and surrealism. - **Humanized Photomontages:** Potential for photographers to experiment with humanizing elements in nature photography to evoke emotion and connect with viewers. - **Imaginative Appreciation:** Possibility for individuals to cultivate a new perspective and appreciation for nature by engaging their imagination through art. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists to explore unconventional techniques and concepts in their creative work. - **Photography:** Potential for photographers to push the boundaries of traditional nature photography by incorporating surreal and humanizing elements. - **Nature Appreciation:** Opportunity to redefine the way people perceive and connect with nature through imaginative and unconventional approaches. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Outdoor Floral Sculpture Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptures-at-kew-gardens.md) - [Human Nature-Themed Art Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sea-im-awake.md) - [Resin Gravity Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-great-tree.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Tree Branch-Formed Lighting Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celestial-attraction.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Interactive Mountain Oracles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whispering-mountains.md) - [Blooming Clustered Art Forms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany.md)