Chen Nambiarooran Transforms Darth Vader into a Cabal of Monstrosities

Remember that spotlight we did of over 30 Darth Vader illustrations from Brainstorm's fantastic January community event? Well, there's still one artist in-particular whose work from that event I wanted to feature and would be remiss in not highlighting. 

That artist would be London-based Chenthooran Nambiarooran, who went above and beyond painting one recreation of one of Star Wars' most iconic adversaries and instead chose to create an entire series of 30 illustrations depicting Vader in all his aspects as a legion aristocracy of cenobite centurions, limped-legged abominations, and eyeless flesh ghouls prowling the ridges of space to swipe out at any inkling of the light side of the Force.

Chen's paintings prompt an interesting What-if scenario; What if the name Darth Vader wasn't just the title adopted by the fallen and disfigured Anakin Skywalker, but rather an terrible and ancient honorific; Passed down throughout the annals of the Dark Side to be worn only by the most ruthless and tyrannical Sith Lords to roam the darkness of their times? Sort of like the members of Berserk's God-hand, only with midichlorians. Check out Chen's entire series below the break!

The Art of Rafael Sarmento

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Rafael Sarmento is a Brazilian freelance illustrator whose subject matter combines the painterly nuances of Kuang Hong mixed with the macabre surreality of Francis Bacon. Delving into his portfolio is like walking into a banquet hall where grotesque oddities, otherwordly aristocrats and unsuspecting mortals come together and co-mingle.

The palette and texture of his more detailed painting is so convincing that I almost mistook them for traditional paintings (all digital), and the composition of his illustration work creates a mythology of aloof mystery that I'd love to see explored in the future. Check more of Sarmento's stunning work after the break.

The Art Of Audrey Benjaminsen

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Hailing from the frigid northern lands yet currently studying illustration at Ringling, Audrey Benjaminsen is one of the most promising artists I've seen in a while. At only 20 years of age she's already pumping out some incredible illustration work which showcases a variety of influences including Gris Grimley, Arthur Rackham, Tim Burton, JC Leyendecker and many others.

Her art has a subtle macabre aspect to it, a sensibility that reminds me of what Edgar Allan Poe was all about in a more visual form. It's kind of amazing to think just how good she'll be in a few years time, so this is one of those artists to keep your eyes out for. Check out more of her awesome illustrations after the break!

Cornelis

Japanese animator Ayaka Nakata just recently re-released a high definition version of her moody short called Cornelis, offering a somewhat macabre interpretative dance executed by a color shifting, bowler hat donning protagonist who dives into his imagination, liberating himself from any concept of gravity in the process. The short was originally screened in a limited capacity in Asia, Italy and Brazil and is noteworthy for it's rather unsettling score and sound treatment.

The Backwater Gospel

Here in the US, today is Superbowl Sunday. It's generally a day of cheering, partying, and all around merriment. Well, I've decided that while that is all well and good, I'd like to show you guys something a little different instead. This absolutely breathtaking animation was done by The Animation Workshop (the same folks who did the increasingly popular Space Stallions). It's dark, gritty, and morbid. But the art is so amazingly unique, and interesting, that it's hard to look away from something so macabre.

Don't miss the making of The Backwater Gospel after the break!