# Disturbing Surreal Drawings Yen Wei Illustrations Turn Reality on Its Head By Meghan Young | Published 2009-09-18 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yan-wei-illustrations References: [behance.net](http://www.behance.net/kokomoo) & [kokomoo.blogbus](http://kokomoo.blogbus.com/) Morbid and dark, Yan Wei Illustrations depict a world in which sightless children brave sinister beasts, turning reality on its head (literally, if you view the tornado images). In a style I find common in [cryptic graphic novels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork), the black and white images makes you ponder the artists motives. Beijing-based Yan Wei Illustrations is definitely drawn to the child’s experience. But instead of making it all rainbows and sunshine, children’s most basic fears are brought to life. A nightmare I wouldn’t want to have, these images still make for [incredible illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joyful-outlines). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 71% | 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Dark Surreal Art:** Opportunity for artists and galleries to explore the growing demand for dark and surreal artwork that challenges traditional perceptions of reality. - **Cryptic Graphic Novels:** Potential for authors and publishers to tap into the popularity of cryptic graphic novels, offering readers thought-provoking narratives and evocative visuals. - **Exploring Childhood Fears:** Space for psychologists and therapists to utilize illustrations and artwork as a tool to explore and address children's fears and anxieties in a visually engaging way. ### Where This Applies - **Art:** Artists, galleries, and collectors can embrace the unsettling aesthetics of Yan Wei's illustrations, creating a niche market for dark and surreal art. - **Publishing:** Publishers can cater to the growing audience for cryptic graphic novels, providing readers with thought-provoking stories and immersive visual experiences. - **Psychology:** Psychologists and therapists can incorporate artwork like Yan Wei's illustrations into their practices, using visual stimuli to address and understand children's fears and emotions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [Illustrated Streetwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wasted-youth-x-tappei.md) - [Weather-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/weatherinspired-art-exhibition.md) - [Transformative AI Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawings-alive.md) - [Realistic Sketch-Reflective Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-series.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Statement Street Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surreal-street-art-1.md) - [Otherworldly Wooden Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md)