I think this set of illustrations from design group Geliografic to absolutely terrific. The name of the set is “Art of Innovation.” Each is based on a famous still life painting by an old master where specific items have been replaced with weapons, ammo, and items of war. As I look at these, I wonder if the artists that worked on them put as much thought into the symbology of their items  as the Renaissance masters did?

The scenes may be interpreted as allegories of the seasons, the elements, or the sins of the flesh; they also represent a profound attention to the scientifically correct depiction of natural objects.

In these pieces there is something that is disturbing about the content and its reflection on the times we live in, as well as humorous in its own right. It’s interesting to note how weapons like these, have become as commonplace as the items they’re set next to in these pictures.

The set of ten images below are all illustrated by the staff at Geliografic which is more well-known for the work they do for video games, book covers, and advertising. Here they show off a different look and a different side to the firm. The execution is exquisite, and in every way rivals much of the contemporary art I have seen lately in terms of subject matter and presentation.

The designers and artists involved in Geliografic are based in Moscow, Russia, and I’m sure you’ll be able to see that in several of these works which were directl influenced by Russian artists Andrei Rublev, Karl Briullov, and Ivan Aivazovsky.