Sculptor Explores What Lurks Beneath the Water in Spine-Chilling Ocean Dioramas

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Are you afraid of what lies in the depths of the ocean? If so, you aren’t alone; thalassophobia is the fear of deep bodies of water, and many people have it. Considering some of the alien-like fish that can be found there, it's a perfectly understandable phobia. Japanese artist Thalasso Hobbyer captures the essence of this fear—particularly, what can be so terrifying—in his ongoing series of sculptures that depict creatures in the ocean.

Using thalassophobia as inspiration, Hobbyer creates terrifying creatures that look as though they could be real, if only they were a little larger. Giant sharks bear their teeth and stalk unknowing swimmers while a scuba diver confronts a giant fish with equally scary fangs. The horror of these pieces is convincing thanks to the awe-inspiring craftsmanship that Hobbyer puts into each piece. The resin water looks as though it is really rippling while other environmental aspects such as grass, trees, rocks, and wood are painted and sculpted in meticulous detail. It all culminates in conveying a sense of suspense and a bit of intrigue.

Scroll down to see Hobbyer’s sculptures that will send a chill down your spine.

Japanese artist Thalasso Hobbyer creates awe-inspiring resin sculptures that capture the essence of thalassophobia: the fear of deep bodies of water.

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Underwater Resin Sculpture

Underwater Resin Sculpture

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Underwater Resin Sculpture

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Phobia Art by Thalasso Hobbyer

Hobbyer shares a peek into his process on his YouTube channel:

Thalasso Hobbyer: Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Thalasso Hobbyer.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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