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Jonathan Payne’s Sculptures Are Like a Twisted Version of David Cronenberg’s Nightmares
Art is something that is subjectively appreciated, no matter the medium. What one person appreciates and finds meaning in, another person might feel absolutely nothing. We enjoy things that we take inspiration from, pieces that are influenced in some way by what we ourselves feel and experience. It’s what allows us to connect on an emotional level.
Jonathan Payne‘s sculptures fall into this odd area where I am just as repulsed as I am fascinated. The seemingly organic looking pieces, which fall in his Fleshlettes series, are undeniably revolting yet there is something unmistakably hypnotic about them. Perhaps it’s the desire to stare at that which is different from us. Perhaps it taps into our own morbid curiosities. Whatever it is, I know that I can’t look away. It’s like I’m seeing the work of David Cronenberg mixed with Carpenter’s The Thing.
You can see more of Payne’s work on his website.
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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