Promoting work of emerging young illustrator who explores darker side of humanity
Curated by Matt O’Halloran (Arts Lab artist associate)
Digital collage illustrations by Matt O’Halloran
Inspired by the book of the same name by Philip Zimbardo, this body of work explores the darker side of human nature, visually analysing the concept of good and evil within the human condition. Looking initially at traditional visual symbols of evil such as the devil, the study then considers its relevance to society today, focussing on the permeable line between good and evil.
At the time of publishing this post, Matt, 28, was a second year part time M.A. Illustration student at Arts University Plymouth. Intent on pursuing a career in illustration and education, he joined Arts Lab’s Young Artist Sharing the Light team in the summer of 2020, taking on the role of student representative for Devon.
Codex Gigas 1
A personalised visual study of the devil that appears in the Codex Gigas. This medieval manuscript has also become known as the Devil’s Bible for the full page devil illustration that is featured and the myths surrounding its creation.
Codex Gigas 2
Further study into the devil that features in the Codex Gigas. This study took an arguably more modern approach in it’s visual approach, exploring different creative techniques.
Devil
A study that predominantly focused on collage as a visual tool. It looked to explore the overwhelming force of evil present in the world.
Good and Evil
Researching good and evil within different cultures, I came across Rangda and Barong, main characters in Balinese Mythology. Rangda, leading an army of evil, would face the forces of good led by Barong.
Good and Evil 2
Another illustration focused on Balinese Mythology and the permeable line between good and evil.
Available for sale in print version at our online shop.
Lord of the Flies
An earlier piece, this illustration took inspiration from the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, exploring the concept of moral evil within the human condition.
Available for sale in print version at our online shop.
Power is Corruption
A look into the underlying reasons for evil in explanations in The Lucifer Effect.
Rangda
Another illustration inspired by Balinese Mythology.
Running From Your Inner Demons
Inspired by the primitivist aesthetic and the ideas of prominent artists in this movement interested in the subconscious inner self also known as the ‘other’.
The Lucifer Effect
A book cover illustration design for Philip Zimbardo’s The Lucifer Effect.
