Some artists have a gift for portraying the macabre. Such is the case for British artist Paul Jackson, who specializes in uncanny drawings that “dissect” their subjects. These illustrations depict both animals and people, and showcase Jackson's masterful pen techniques, as well as his keen understanding of anatomical details.
Originally from Brighton, the artist now resides in Toronto, Canada. There, his unique, edgy style has attracted the attention of the music and film industry. Among the names of his impressive clientele are 20th Century Fox, Universal, SyFy, Pearl Jam, and Blink 182. In fact, it seems inevitable that Jackson's “rocker” illustrations have attracted such big names. Especially considering that the artist's work is heavily influenced by music and movie soundtracks. Jackson tells My Modern Met, “I enjoy collaborating with musicians because I am a musician. I like finding the connection between art and music—music inspires me to draw.”
Elements of surrealism and science fiction also play a part in Jackson's art. In particular, many of his portrait pieces involve the separation of human body parts. For example, one illustration shows the cross section of a man's head, revealing an octopus in place of where his brain should be. Another drawing shows the full body of a woman whose head is depicted as an open nesting doll to show the layers of her outer shell (her face) and her inner workings (her skull and brain).
Additionally, Jackson often explores the imagery of technological failings in his art, which are drawn to resemble “glitches” in his linework. Some of his pieces combine the inspirations of surrealism and science fiction, like in the case of his wolf dissection. It is in these dark, unexpected turns that Jackson's eerie style shines.
Scroll down to see more of Jackson's work, and, to keep up to date with the artist's latest creations, you can follow him on Instagram.
Artist Paul Jackson illustrates the surreal, imagined inner workings of animals and humans.
He also dabbles in drawing beloved cartoon characters and shows what's going on inside their minds.
Some of Jackson's uncanny drawings also “dissect” subjects, giving us a look at their inner layers.
These black and white illustrations show the skeletons and brains of animals and people.
Paul Jackson: Website | Facebook | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Paul Jackson.
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