The Sci-Fi Cyberpunk World of H.R. Giger
LatestArtist and sculptor Hans Rudolf “Ruedi” Giger passed away Monday at the age of 74 after suffering injuries from a fall in his home. H.R. Giger, as he was known professionally, was one of the foremost artists in modern sci-fi and cyberpunk. He designed surreal biomechanical art and sculptures for movies, musicians, museums, video games, comic books, and even a couple of bars. Giger said he drew inspiration from his nightmares, and kept a pen and paper next to his bed so he could record what he saw in his dreams.
Not everyone knows H.R. Giger by name, but everyone is familiar with his work. Here are some of his most recognizable pieces.
1. The Xenomorph from Alien
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
The xenomorph design is recognizable to anyone who’s seen one of the Alien movies. It’s an iconic piece of Giger work.
2. The concept art for “Prometheus”
Somebody made this amazing compilation of H.R. Giger’s concept art and the movie scenes it inspired.
3. The Dune movie that wasn’t
IMAGE CREDIT: Sony Pictures Classics
H.R. Giger was part the “dream team” working for Alejandro Jodorowsky on his unfinished movie adaptation of Dune.
4. The Brain Salad Surgery album cover
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
Giger drew the cover art for prog rock band Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s fourth studio album.
5. The Dead Kennedys “Frankenchrist” poster
The Dead Kennedys’ third album included a fold-out poster of H.R. Giger’s “Penis Landscape.” The band’s vocalist ended up being the target of a lawsuit over the poster, charged with “distributing harmful material to minors.” It didn’t result in a conviction, but the piece is not quite suitable for children OR for work (again: the title is “Penis Landscape”). See it in all its glory here.
H.R. Giger’s artistic style is always evident in his work—you can take one look and know who made it. Here are a few of his lesser-known pieces that are still quintessentially Giger.
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
Goggle Baby by H.R. Giger. The “Goggle Baby” imagery appeared a number of times in his artwork.
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
Gebarmashine, or “Birth Machine.” This is one of the more notable reappearances of the Goggle Baby.
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
“Self-Portrait” by H.R. Giger (the original selfie??)
IMAGE CREDIT: The H.R. Giger Facebook page
Giger’s concept art for the game “Dark Seed 2.”
And here are some super cool things that were inspired by his work.
For more of Giger’s work, check out his museum’s website. The documentary Jodorowsky’s Dune, which chronicles the making of the non-movie and features interviews with Giger, is in theaters in limited release.