I can’t remember the last time we unearthed art that was this dark and disturbing. Like a moth that is morbidly attracted to a light, we can’t get enough of Ryohei Hase. This Japanese illustrator has worked with the likes of Mercedes Benz UK, Baileys, 3M, as well as on video games including the popular title Soulcalibur3. Considering the quality of his work, it’s no surprise that he’s been hand picked by such a diverse range of clients, however it’s somewhat surprising given the violent and depressing trend that runs through most pieces. Not the sort of marketing tool one typically uses to sell automobiles and alcohol.
Hase admits that “he wants his work to have certain contrary elements. His characters are grotesque, but also somewhat beautiful. They are sometimes scary but otherwise adorable. Your impression of his work depends on how you look at it.” I suppose it all comes back to the fact that his work is painstakingly crafted, and symbolic of much more than the initial waves of violence depicted on the surface. In any case, we dig it!
