# Monkey Vs. Man Portraits These Troels Carlsen Drawings Pit Primate Against Human By Jana Pijak | Published 2012-01-19 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/troels-carlsen-drawings References: [dazeddigital](http://www.dazeddigital.com/artsandculture/article/12360/1/troels-carlsen-sipping-from-the-mirrors) & [troelscarlsen](http://troelscarlsen.com/) These Troels Carlsen drawings feature a series of man vs. primate portraits. The creative art collection, entitled 'Sipping from the Mirrors' takes inspiration from playing cards. The Danish artist presents a collection of [pencil-drawn lithographs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series) that showcases the artists delicate and skillful detailing and signature style. The work is meant to be a self-portrait of the artist, juxtaposed with a [portrait of an ape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pg-tips-monkey-collectible). These lithographs allow people to turn the works upside down in order to face the monkey or the artist's face depending on their preference. This idea is reminiscent of [playing card suits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artistedition-jigsaw-puzzles). The artist uses the image of a monkey to represent the misunderstood nature of a seeker, revealing his struggle to find himself in his youth. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.1/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 9% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Animal-human Portrait Art:** Opportunity for artists to create more unconventional art that shifts away from traditional portrait painting. - **Upside-down Art:** Innovative opportunity to create versatile artworks that can be hung and viewed in any orientation. - **Playing Card Inspirations:** Opportunity for designers and artists to explore further inspiration from traditional playing cards to create new and unique works of art. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art:** These drawings inspire new unconventional portrait styles for artists to create and innovate. - **Interior Design:** Upside-down art allows designers to create versatile living spaces with innovative and flexible hanging features. - **Gaming:** Playing cards can inspire new artwork for game designs, developing a fresh perspective and style for the gaming industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Primal-Themed Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-return.md) - [Playful Monkey-Inspired Coat Stands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monkey-coat-stand.md) - [Character Art-Infused Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moynat-x-kasing.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Archival Pigment Art Print](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parallax.md)