If “fashion and art is an illusion”, how much of what see is true? Brandt Peters from New Mexico draws a true-to-self interpretation of his illustrated character creations. You may have seen his work in the form of small figurines such as DUNNY, or as tattoos celebrated in International Tattoo Art magazine. The figures are usually adorably bug-eyed beings with a hidden personality, set in realistic places. The unsettling contrast reels us in to look again. I find myself asking the question to the characters: What are you hiding?

Peters’ process of drawing his creations delves into the idea of being a misfit and trying to fit in. According to his website, “…we are all misfits — hiding behind animated personas, odd and beautifully unusual…” rings true. The meticulously drawn figures are glorified, while their exaggerated elements personify them as innocent and dependent. Yet–the details of their pose (such as exposing cleavage); the solitude of the background; and their tears–make Peters’ eerily beautiful creations so connectable, as if it’s real.