When director Ridley Scott sought to create something
magnificently horrific and challenging for film viewers at the dawning of the
“Star Wars” era of film he looked to artists including; Chris Foss,
Moebius and most strikingly Swiss Surrealist H.R. Giger.
The works of Giger were unequaled in terms of their scope; sense of dread, ability
to repulse as they equally intrigued and encaptured his viewers. They are with
every possibility the purest examples of nightmares ever put to canvas or
screen. Giger’s monochromatic creations were very much driven by his own sleep
disorder (night terrors) as by his rich imagination. Giger is a technically
skilled artist and draftsman with a style almost completely unto himself. There
is only one H.R. Giger.
.jpg)
The creations and designs of Giger possess a quality of
things emanating from the mind and heart of a madman. His works can be
difficult for most viewers. He has referred to the hopelessly insane as being a
large portion of his audience. His pieces are as many times representational of
eroticism as they are a combination of a repressed violence. They are often
composition of the demonic; distantly removed from anything remotely of the
saints. What artist could be better suited to contribute to the horror genre
films of the late 20th Century?
“Bio-Mechanical” is a term Giger often used to describe his
own creations. In that too he was singular as I know of no other artist fitting
into Giger’s self-titled genre. He was able within his career to expand on many
forms of creativity and cross markets. He was first of all a painter (nothing
short of a master) and after that he included set design, sculpture and film
director. He was very much ingrained in the music field; often as a
commissioned artist. Emerson Lake and Palmer, Debbie Harry and many other
musicians used Giger’s works for memorable album covers. He inspired video
games and calendars while fans are noted for adorning their various body parts with
Giger tattoos. His architecturally informed creations decorate interiors for
night clubs and restaurants. Giger is many times over a force in the art worlds
variously articulated commodities and structures.
Earlier
this week on May 12th Hans Rudolph Giger passed away from the earth.
Giger was 74 years old and still engaged with his art. His alien is one of the most terrifying
creatures ever preserved on film. He will best be remembered for his alien and
the sets he designed for the original Ridley Sott film.
Humanity has looked to the darkness for generations; most
often in fear. It is the keeper of mystery and visions of irrational dread.
Giger shared with us his own nightmare scenarios and images in the form of
stories. In that he is linked to the ages. By taking us eerily and endearingly into his
nightmares he entertained us and helped us understand and live within our own.
