# Creepy Candy Illustrations Tom Bagshaw's 'Yokai Dreams' Draws on Surreal Imagination By Meghan Young | Published 2010-05-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tom-bagshaw References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/Gallery/Yokai-Dreams-Show/504269) & [mostlywanted](http://www.mostlywanted.com) It's a proud moment for Tom Bagshaw, who is currently showcasing his first-ever [solo show](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery) at the Knifesmith Gallery in Bristol, UK. An immensely talented artist, Bagshaw has created a series of illustrations that are sure to garner him much-deserved recognition. Entitled 'Yokai Dreams,' Tom Bagshaw puts together a disturbingly surreal set of [digital illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1). Featuring realistic and somewhat normal looking women, Bagshaw surrounds them with [Japanese-like characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/japonisme-1) in ghostly scenarios. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Digital Surrealism:** The trend of creating surreal digital illustrations that push the boundaries of reality and challenge viewers' perception. - **Visual Storytelling:** The trend of using visual art to tell compelling and thought-provoking stories that evoke emotion and spark imagination. - **Cultural Fusion:** The trend of incorporating diverse cultural elements into art to create unique and captivating pieces that blur traditional boundaries. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art & Design:** The industry can explore opportunities to incorporate digital surrealism into various art forms, such as painting, sculpture, and installation, to create immersive experiences. - **Publishing:** The industry can leverage the power of visual storytelling to create captivating book covers, illustrations for storybooks, and graphic novels that engage readers and enhance the narrative. - **Fashion:** The industry can embrace cultural fusion by collaborating with artists to incorporate elements from different cultures into clothing designs, accessories, and runway shows, creating fashion that celebrates diversity and uniqueness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hyper-Realistic Flesh Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md) - [Raunchy Anime-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manuela-soto-sosa.md) - [Manga-Style Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hisashi-eguchi.md) - [CG Technology Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cg-technology-art-exhbition.md) - [Collaborative Animation Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-x-sanrio.md) - [Weather-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherinspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md)