Dan Hillier (10 January 1973 – 8 February 2024) was a celebrated British artist and master of Victorian-style monochrome collage.
Victorian Collage & Surrealism
Hillier was widely acclaimed for crafting unsettlingly beautiful works by splicing late-19th-century Victorian engravings, woodcuts, and source materials. His signature pieces frequently fused human forms with animal attributes (such as feathers, horns, and branches), geometric motifs, and arcane or spiritual symbolism.
Themes & Influences
Critics and reviewers often described his aesthetic as a unique bridge between antiquity and the mystical, blending steampunk sensibilities with deep references to nature, dream realms, mythology, and Buddhist or Gnostic iconography. His later works were also deeply shaped by his spiritual life and experiences with plant medicine like Ayahuasca.
Exhibitions & Collaborations
Starting his career by selling prints from an East London market stall, Hillier's career grew to include exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Louvre, the Saatchi Gallery, and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). He also created prominent commercial and cultural work, including the cover art for Royal Blood's self-titled number-one debut album, collaborations with Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre, and illustrations for The Folio Society (such as The Call of Cthulhu & Other Weird Stories).
Legacy
Hillier passed away from cancer on February 8, 2024, at the age of 50. He is remembered within the arts community not only for his intricate, meditative monochrome linework and distinctive visual vocabulary, but also for his warm, generous, and deeply reflective creative spirit.
Source. Wiki
