At first glance, I assumed John Kenn Mortensen’s ghoulish images were storybook illustrations that were originally drawn on large sheets of paper. Then I read his tiny introduction and discovered that these magnificent monster drawings are simply (and complexly) doodles on Post-it notes.
Born in Denmark, Mortensen is a director of kids’ TV programs, but in his spare time he enters a black and yellow world in which monsters loom over unwitting humans, and it’s hard to tell whether these monsters are hungry for human flesh or whether they just want some mischievous fun. A cross between Edward Gorey and Maurice Sendak, Mortensen’s art is both eerie and playful, dark yet adorable. Although I love the whimsical nature of his medium, it would be great to see what he could do with a few square feet rather than a few square inches.
Sticky Monsters, by John Kenn Mortensen
Sign up for Wink's weekly newsletter for recommendations of wonderful books on paper.
