The definition of the word “Art” in recent years has constantly adapted to modern times. Many would agree that in the past, traditional mediums such as canvas, paper, and sculptures are the only pieces that are fit for the word “art”. The use of other materials not intended for art purposes may look weird for some.
Today, almost anything that is considered an output of a creative mind can be called art. Adapting and embracing modern times – many amateurs, self-taught, or even professionals – artists resort to the use of the most unique items to create artworks and masterpieces. It does not only challenge them to pick on the subject but on how to infuse it with the project. One of them is Elmo Hood, a British self-taught contemporary artist that is now currently based in Brisbane, Australia.
Who is Elmo Hood?
Elmo Hood is the alias of Elliot Nicholas Hood – an artist working abstraction, pop art, and collage. Speaking of the use of unique materials for art, his most notable artworks use playing cards. It was featured on his solo exhibition entitled “Down The Rabbit Hole”, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. As you may remember, this children’s novel has some of its characters inspired by a deck of playing cards.
From cutting, burning, drawing, or creating a collage out of these playing cards, Elmo Hood’s artworks has great attention to detail. He can tell a story that reflects love, betrayal, and create another character or subject out of these cards, He can even use even the smallest detail printed in these cards and create something astonishing or deliver a message in an unimaginable way possible.
Some of his artworks
The Medusa
Combining the different shades of green and the designs found from a standard deck of playing cards, Elmo Hood created a collage that depicts the silhouette of Medusa. If you are not familiar with this character from Greek mythology, it is a female human with living venomous snakes in her hair. This distinct artwork has used the design pattern found on the King, Queen, and Jack cards to mimic the texture of the snake’s skin.
The Butterfly King
Using the blue deck of cards made by the playing cards manufacturer Bicycle, Elmo Hood used the intrinsic design to make it as the butterfly wings in this artwork. The blend of color black and red cards found in a standard deck created a background that highlighted the silhouette of the king, apart from the black marks. The crown is undeniably the highlight of this masterpiece, which is made from a collage of king, queen, and joker cards. Looking closely, you’ll see that he has also used the red Bicycle cards for the outline of the face.
The Boxer
Using the same combination of black and red card collage in the background, the black outlines provided the details that made the subject stand out. If you have already seen a set of red bicycle playing cards, you’ll never imagine that it will perfectly match with artwork like this. Besides, the combination of colors from the queen card that served as the “boxer’s” body is a delight for the eyes to see. Let’s not forget about the stars – this small detail gave the message it would like to deliver.
BlueBird
This composition is also made from Bicycle playing cards. Featuring blue birds created out of blue playing cards with feathers and intricate details painted over the top . Many would agree that the shadows of the overlapping cards gave an additional effect that makes this artwork deserving of another stare. Elmo filmed a time-lapse of him creating this piece which you can view for yourself on his social media channels.
Crank the Sun
Another composition using both the bicycle playing cards and boxes; featuring a girl with blue hair flowing in the wind staring off into the sun with the warmth reflected on her sunglasses. A balanced piece with clever shading and details.
Elmo Hood created other artworks made of playing cards but not in the form of collage. He used the characters from standard playing cards, and have successfully depicted a message he would like for the viewers to know. For starters, his other set of artworks includes cutting some of the details in the card. Anyone who will see this art will know that cutting out the hands of the character cards, then placing them in a different way on the canvas is a witty idea.
Apart from the playing cards
Though this article may have highlighted the artwork of Elmo Hood regarding the use of playing cards, he also use the traditional canvas and acrylic paints. Some of his artworks are also sold as an NFT or called a Non-Fungible Token. If you’re not familiar, it is a variety of cryptocurrencies that makes art and collectibles into a verifiable assets that are traded on the blockchain. He offers some of his digital art available for purchase through an auction on a digital platform.
The story behind his art
Though his art is amazing and witty, there is a story behind his persuasion in art. It was reported in media interviews that his art was a result of his coping mechanism in dealing with grief, due to the death of a family member in 2011. However, his passion for art has supported some known charitable institutions, like Teenage Cancer Trust, Unicef, British Red Cross, and Cancer Research UK. His art was featured in major publications too, like the British GQ and Forbes to name a few.
Who would have imagined that a playing card can be turned into art – including the latest trend – NFT’s. This unique idea may have made Elmo Hood more recognised in the art scene, but his other artworks made with the traditional materials, mediums, and subjects are also worth owning. His artworks could be a great reminder that there are simple items that can make artworks more interesting to stare at – aside from the message it would like to deliver.
