London-based artist MURUGIAH’s latest artwork has arrived at a fitting time in the Western world. In an era where social media posts can get you arrested, the government can kill your healthy ostriches and psychedelics have never been a more popular topic, the new illustrations undeniably capture the predicament and essence of our times.
Through a collaboration with British publisher Faber & Faber, MURUGIAH completed a mind-bending illustration of George Orwell’s classic work, 1984. Released in November this year, MURUGIAH’s aesthetic rendition drips with depictions of surveillance and tyranny
“Big Brother is watching you 👁️,” the artist said on social media, referencing the shadowy authority figure from the literature. “This classic dystopian novel is a vision of life under totalitarian rule, where every thought or action could bring the Thought Police to the door.”
When people think about government corruption, malicious propaganda and totalitarianism, Orwell’s literary creations 1984 and Animal Farm are often the books that spring to mind.
Most critics rank 1984 as one of the most influential novels of the 20th century because of its thought-provoking nature. It is frequently cited in discussions about government overreach and censorship. Terms derived from the book such as “Big Brother,” Orwellian and “Thought Police” now pepper everyday conversation.
Published in 1949, the novel served as a projection of what the future could hold if powers that be were left unchecked. Today, we are arguably well on our way down the path to a similar dystopian reality if political turmoil should continue to persist.
Pronounced moo-roo-guy-ah, MURUGIAH is a British-Sri Lankan artist that likes to use a diverse palette of colours in his works. In the case of 1984, however, he completed the artwork throughout the pages in black and white. Only the cover design explodes with colour. You will have to order the book if you want to see what lies between the front and back.
Aside from his unique artistic rendition of 1984, MURUGIAH has completed work for major brands like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) (FRA: APC) and Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS) (ETR: WDP).
Earlier this year, he gave a presentation about his artistic works at Apple’s Covent Garden store in London. His most prominent Disney contributions centre on official Star Wars poster artwork.
The artist in New York City last year. Photo credit: MURUGIAH
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