Cutting edge horror consists of two parts, one conceptual and one physical. The physical part of the project explored the paper diorama as an illustration technique and mapped out the technical aspects of the technique. The conceptual part of the project focused on how paper dioramas could be used to re-imagine the book covers of literature that had previously been labeled pulp-horror, specifically the project looked at books written by the American author Jack Ketchum.
Experimenting with materials, expression and layers
When working with paper dioramas, you are layering two-dimensional pieces of paper and creating an illusion of depth and three- dimensionality. While experimenting with the technique I also wanted to see how altering colours, expressions and materials could change the visual experience of the same piece, and so I created the grid below.
I used what I learned during this mapping and started experimenting with how I could build up the layers within a motive. Using different frames in the form of cardboard and wooden boxes, I examined what different levels of depth did to the overall impression of the illustration.
Creating scenes and telling stories
Layering seascape illustration
I experimented with the amount of layers I could use and started to understand the best way of putting together a diorama that worked.
One of the most important aspect of the technique was to create scenes that hid the structure of the surrounding box. Either by having layers that covered the edges of the motives, or creating scenes that integrated the "frame" into the scene itself.
The piece below; better known as the tea party, was one such scene. Here you can se how the illustration evolved from the original sketch, to the completely fleshed out diorama.
One of the most important aspect of the technique was to create scenes that hid the structure of the surrounding box. Either by having layers that covered the edges of the motives, or creating scenes that integrated the "frame" into the scene itself.
The piece below; better known as the tea party, was one such scene. Here you can se how the illustration evolved from the original sketch, to the completely fleshed out diorama.
Finished seascape
First sketch
Refined sketch
Character build
Background build
Completed diorama
Incorporating lights
Channeling horror aesthetic
Having read through Jack Ketchums books I started working with material from the stories, creating scenes that displayed elements from the stories. I also used colours, fonts and other visual material that was associated with horror literature to create an aesthetic that encapsulated the written material
Final book covers
Mockup of visual display
Mockup of printed book covers
Unfortunately as my bachelor project was completed during the pandemic lockdown of 2020, I do not have any images rom a physical exhibition as this did not take place.
The finished book covers were presented as digital files and visual mockups of material for both exhibit and print. I you wish to view or download the complete bachelor thesis in Norwegian, please visit the link below.
The finished book covers were presented as digital files and visual mockups of material for both exhibit and print. I you wish to view or download the complete bachelor thesis in Norwegian, please visit the link below.