Concept Art, H.R. Giger, Biomech

H. R. Giger - Bio Mech

H. R. Giger is recognized as one of the world’s foremost artists of Fantastic Realism. Born in 1940, Switzerland, he moved in 1962 to Zurich, where he studied architecture and industrial design at the School of Applied Arts. 
By 1964 he was producing his first artworks, mostly ink drawings and oil paintings, resulting in his first solo exhibition in 1966, followed by the publication and world-wide distribution of his first poster edition in 1969.
 Shortly after, he discovered the airbrush and his own unique freehand painting style, lead to the surrealistic Biomechanical dreamscapes, which formed the cornerstone of his fame.

Giger’s most famous book, Necronomicon, published in 1977, served as the visual inspiration for director Ridley Scott’s film Alien, Giger's first high-profile film assignment, which earned him the 1980 Oscar for the Best Achievement in Visual Effects for his designs of the film's title character, including all the stages of its lifecycle, plus the film’s the extraterrestrial environments. Giger's other well-known film work includes his designs for Poltergeist II, Alien3 and Species, as well as the legendary unmade film, Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Dune.

“Hans Ruedi” Giger, known to the World as H.R. Giger, passed away on Monday, 12 th May 2014 at the age of 74. We are absolutely heartbroken over the loss of this loving husband, selfless friend, and supremely talented artist.

Figure 1 - H R Giger

Figure 2 - H R Giger

Figure 3 - H R Giger 

When Ridley Scott scanned through the Volume of Necronomicon, it was clear to him who should design the creature for their upcoming science fiction horror film from 20th century fox. Giger wanted to create something new for the film Alien. 

Ginger began working on the project for Alien in 1978, strirctly as creature designer. But it soon became apart that he abilities were to be wasted if he was just used for desiging elements therefore, he was hired to do the sets and sculpting of the films key elements.

In 1980, Giger receive an Oscar for his design work on the film. He did also do some design work for Alien 3 although his ideas were never really used by director David Finches. 

Its the overpowering design aesthetic of Giger's work that continues to make the Alien series the success it is.

Figure 4 - Alien from the Movie

Biomechanical art (also called Biomech) is a surrealistic style of art that combines elements of machines with organics. Rendered with distinct realism, biomechanical art expresses an internal fantasy world, most typically represented with human or animal anatomy where bones and joints are replaced with metal pistons and gears, but infused with muscles and tendons.

After analysing Giger's work I decided to recreate some on my own biomechanical artwork. Using inspiration from the human muscles and pipe work from inside vechiles I could use these as inspiration for my own. Tree roots also have a mechanical feel to them so I tried to use this with in my art work as well. 

Figure 5 - Muscles, reference

Figure 6 - Tree roots, image reference

Figure 7 - Jet engine plumbing 

I don't have the same skill or technicality to my work as Giger, of course i don't, but I enjoyed taking inspiration from a different element of art that I have never explored before. Looking at his works and my reference images I tried my best to recreate his work in the best way possible. His art form is unique and incredible and I hope his art work continues to inspire more people in the future. 

Figure 8 - Own experiments 

Figure 9 - Own experiments

Figure 10 - Own experiments

Image references:

Figure 1 - Inc, M.F.A. (2016) H.R. Giger art store with Giger prints, Giger posters, and Giger art.

Figure 2 - 3 - slowsoulburn (2014) H.R. Giger – Phallic duress.

Figure 4 - Photobucket, Original alien suit.

Figure 5 -Human body muscles (2013)

Figure 6 - Large root system. (Morten bay fig tree) Perth zoo (2013)

Figure 7 - 2005 (1993) Duxford photos1 - Sept ’05. 

Bibliography

- 2005 (1993) Duxford photos1 - Sept ’05. Available at: http://www.grape-nutz.com/travel/euro05/dux1.html (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Essers, F. (no date) HR Giger museum. Available at: http://www.hrgigermuseum.com/index2.php (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- H.R. Giger’s alien designs and art (no date) Available at: https://giger.com/alien.php (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Human body muscles (2013) Available at: http://www.medicalsciencenavigator.com/human-body-muscles/ (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Inc, M.F.A. (2016) H.R. Giger art store with Giger prints, Giger posters, and Giger art. Available at: https://giger.com (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Large root system. (Morten bay fig tree) Perth zoo (2013) Available at: http://www.worldtravelserver.com/travel/en/australia/airport_langley_park_airstrip/photo_20004191-large-root-system-morten-bay-fig-tree-perth-zoo.html (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Photobucket (no date) Original alien suit. Available at: http://s1019.photobucket.com/user/Scruffynemo/media/Cinemaquette%20Collection/Alien/AlienSuit1.jpg.html (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- slowsoulburn (2014) H.R. Giger – Phallic duress. Available at: https://slowsoulburn.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/h-r-giger-phallic-duress/ (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- Tattoos, B. and Designs (2016) ‘Biomechanical art’, in Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomechanical_art (Accessed: 12 December 2016).

- The official Website (no date) Available at: http://www.hrgiger.com (Accessed: 12 December 2016).