A DIGITAL ALTERNATE REALITY: The art of Maruko Hirofumi

Maruko Hirofumi is a digital artist who grew up in the Hiroshima Prefecture of southern Japan. After attending graphic design school, he soon began working for a design studio and later moved into freelance work. Beginning his career in the 80s, he initially focused primarily on sketch illustrations and line drawings.

With the rising availability of household computers in the 1990s, Hirofumi was a quick adopter and soon recognized their artistic potential. By 1995, he began exploring the world of 3D art and CG. Working entirely from a Mac, he has since built up a prolific portfolio of digital art covering machine architecture, flower & plant scenery as well as renderings of alternative, futuristic realities.

Hirofumi’s works contain a childish naivete and charm that will particularly resonate with anyone who used computers in the late 90’s or early 2000’s. Even his more recent works tend to evoke a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of early video games and desktop screen savers. Many of the works also contain a surreal element that adds to their sense of playfulness and fun.

Still working as a freelancer, his artworks are regularly used in advertising and other publications. Check out above for some of our favorite works by Hirofumi and head to his website to see more: http://maruko-cg2.com
INSTA: @hirofumimaruko