Dark, Macabre, and Morbid Fine Art

Qimmy Shimmy: An Interview with Qixuan Lim. There is something incredibly disarming about Qixuan Lim’s (aka Qimmy Shimmy) macabre sculptures. They provoke an array of emotions from their viewers ranging from delight, admiration, horror, to repulsion. Some recoil with horror upon seeing her works, while others marvel at the artistry involved. 

This page provides an ongoing list of events, markets, conventions, fairs, and festivals worldwide which exhibit lowbrow and pop-surrealist art. 

The circus aptly defies conventions with its bravado displays of magical feats, supernatural elements, and its unabashed exhibitions presenting those who exist outside of the norm...the so-called "freak" shows. On the whole, the circus, in light of its often troublesome image, forces us to evaluate our roles as spectators and as participants. We are forced to question the existence of reality and that of fiction. In the circus, after all, things aren't always as they seem. A contemporary artist's depiction of past circus forms further lends a fascinating perspective into an era not long forgotten. This application of contemporary sensibilities further breathes life into an antiquated and still valuable art form. As you can imagine then, I was thrilled to be contacted by an artist who designs circus banners and designed the banners found in one of my favourite AHS installations - Freak Show. "I have never thought about quitting being an artist. It’s the only thing that I haven’t quit." - Molly McGuire

Artist Chris Raimo makes spooky things damn fun, and when I say fun I mean not just so for folks like me who find pleasure in watching horror films. Chris’ cute and quirky illustrations of morbid monsters are dark but not so much so that they will repel younger kids or fearful adults (ahem, the chickens) out there. Colourful characters such as Jack who loves to dress up as famous horror icons or Gloomera the somber little girl surrounded by creepy characters in her dark and spooky world are uncommonly gleeful. His animations allow one to regard elements often thought of as frightening, such as nightmares, in a more humorous and pleasing light. "I love horror, horror movies, and really scary things, but I do not like walk thru Haunted Houses ha." - Chris Raimo

To classify Sarah’s artwork into a particular genre would be doing it disservice. Part steampunk, part Victorian, part vintage, part taxidermy, part oddity, part goth, brilliantly crafted with multiple found objects, Sarah’s works transcend any categorizations. Upon viewing her works, It isn’t difficult to ascertain that limitations and bounds are not part of Sarah’s artistic process, or vocabulary for that matter. "I think the lid has just popped on keeping things socially acceptable. I think the macabre has been a part of things all along and people are not ashamed to show it anymore." - Sarah Dolezal

Experiencing Sophia Rapata’s artwork is like stepping into a sweet nightmare. Though eerie and at times disturbingly frightening, there is nothing revolting about her works. On the contrary, there is something about her morbid paintings and illustrations that pulls me right into their dark surreal worlds and I can’t help but remain riveted. The characters she creates in her illustrations can be sinister and unnerving. And yet, they provoke a sense of solace at the same time. Perhaps in her creations, I see the true face of humanity and am comforted by this familiarity in spite of all its darkness. "I've had my ups and downs but I believe that's what builds character and all things happen when they need to." - Sophia Rapata

Ioanna Tsouka is probably one of the most grounded artists I know. For those of you who know her personally, I’m certain at some point you have been inspired by Ioanna’s driven and informed outlook on life’s challenges. Her passion to understand the world in her quest to exact much-needed change is akin to a candle casting light in the darkness. Anger, resentment, and hatred, after all, tend to disappear when one makes a serious attempt to understand the unfathomable. Much in the same way she conveys her understanding of the ways of the world, Ioanna has a way of portraying dark elements within her dolls wrapped with a veil of optimism...of hope - a light that stirs even the darkest of souls. "I love the connection that my work creates between me and the world, the people that provide loving homes for my dolls and everyone that supports and encourages my endeavours." - Ioanna Tsouka

It is difficult not to fall in love with Debra’s artwork. Friends and family who have seen the three dolls we own have inquired where they can get them. Not too frightening, not sickeningly over-the-top cute...they are perfect for adults and kids who want stuffies with a bite. On top of that, they are also very affordable which is extremely rare in the world of art collecting. It’s true that I admire tons of artists who produce morbid artwork but most produce artwork beyond my means. Debra’s artwork is financially attainable without sacrificing the quality and sincerity of her work. "We all walk a fine line between the real and the perceived. I always tell my husband the only perception that matters is mine and this is true for everyone because it is the only one we see." - Debra Klopp Kersey

It was right before Easter when I discovered Diana’s bloody bunnies. I was searching for bunny-themed artwork which strayed from the common cute ones that always popped up on my newsfeed on Facebook. Certainly, bunnies, especially Diana’s horror-themed ones, aren’t just perfect for the Easter season. Fans of creepy and cute, horror film aficionados, gothic art, and spooky literature will appreciate her various wickedly weird works accompanied by Shawn Given’s horror writings in the form of ghoulish grimoires all year round. "I believe that macabre culture especially appeals to people who always felt like outsiders or outcasts. It just really calls to us." - Diana Levin

Upon viewing Brian Somerville's sculptures, ancient stories about mythical and powerful beasts came to mind. Most significantly and what fascinates me the most is how Brian’s creatures exude certain qualities about them which convey omnipotence and vulnerability at the same time. Brian’s ‘beasts’ do not constitute human biological forms and yet there is something oddly human-like about them. Symbolizing various aspects of humanity and the ‘beast’ within each and every one of us, Brian’s sculptures are not as strange or as distant from reality as one may be prone to initially perceive. "I’ve found that the most successful artists have enough ego to ensure that their ideas get taken seriously, while remaining humble enough to work well with others and recognize constructive criticism that can be helpful." - Brian Somerville

There is just something about blythe dolls that is so fascinating. They have the potential to simultaneously delight and terrify. Blythe dolls have that creepy horror-like quality about them which is hard to ignore. Greta Wade-Jenereaux of Shepuppy takes it a step further and actually customizes blythe dolls so that they take on macabre, gothic and dark themes. As cracked and flawed as Greta deliberately makes her dolls to be, however, one cannot deny that they are visually stimulating. Ultimately, Greta's dolls exhibit an unconventional beauty about them. Breaking the conventions of what defines beauty, Greta's dolls are powerfully subversive and meaningful.

"I love the thought of a once-loved beautiful doll being left behind or abandoned somewhere, the signs of neglect and time reflected in her eyes and on her face, her once shiny hopeful face now broken with pain and sorrow. And somehow even through the decay and cracks there is still beauty in there if you're willing to look." - Greta Wade-Jenereaux

When you look at any of Klaudia's dolls, what do you see? Do you see a sinister creature staring back at you, or amidst its dark elements, do you see a glimpse of light? Klaudia Gaugier possesses a remarkable talent. Unnervingly beautiful and profoundly unique, her dolls speak great volumes. Fascinated with the duality of man, Klaudia creates her dolls in man's image. She reasons that what people see in her artwork says more about the viewer than it does about her. She forces you to think about your own relationship with the artwork, where you stand, where you are coming from, and how you have come to view her dolls in such a way. She makes you think - a sign of a truly engaging artist.

"I like neither compliments or criticism - both are subjective assessment of the recipients, the interpretation of the image that they see through their own prism. In the process of creation I have to be faithful to myself. Only then it has true value." - Klaudia Gaugier