Creative Codex 9: HR Giger • A Beautiful Darkness
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Sep 2, 2019 H.R. Giger's art blurs the lines between beauty and horror, with his distinct style frequently labeled as 'evil.' Discover the Swiss artist's dark upbringing and his fascination with the macabre. Explore his haunting works that link machinery and childbirth. Uncover the emotional depths behind Giger's creations, influenced by profound tragedies. Delve into his nightmarish imagery and the cultural impact of his Lovecraftian themes. Giger's legacy continues to ripple through modern horror, challenging perceptions of art and fear.
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Early Public Outrage In Zurich
- In 1970 Zurich, passersby reacted violently to H.R. Giger's displayed paintings, even throwing yogurt and smearing excrement on the gallery window.
- These public outrages highlight how shocking his images appeared to a devout Catholic community.
Uncensored Unconscious As Creative Principle
- Giger and Dali shared a surrealist credo: never censor unconscious imagery, no matter how offensive it seems.
- This explains why Giger presented nightmare material that many interpreted as evil rather than staged provocation.
Childhood In Hur Shaped A Shadowland
- Giger grew up in the picturesque Swiss town of Hur, where artists were disparaged and he preferred dressing in black and hiding under a table for a playroom.
- His early life had no single trauma but fed secretive tastes and an attraction to darker places and objects.
