Friendly Synergy

‘Martin’ is a collaborative piece between Martin Brandt Hansen and Paalu.
Paalu first drew the underlying composition with lead, thereupon digitalized the raw sketch.

The mythological creatures within the triangulated areas are either drawn with lead, ink, fluorescent ink, or by sculpting clay — all physically produced by Martin Brandt Hansen.

Martin purposefully produced some creatures to fit the composition, while others were picked from his sketch reservoir.

Paalu used his digital methodology to modify the hue, shape, and character of Martin’s drawings.

Paalu and Martin were friends long before their collaboration.
They both studied in Copenhagen, and became friends through acquaintances.

They shared a taste for villainous characteristics in their art, but were unable to merge their skills for a long time.

Paalu chose to work on a fishing ship after he graduated, postponing all artistic endeavor.

Then Paalu returned to Copenhagen for a visit in 2017, after 3 months of off shore labor.

The reunion took place in Martin’s apartment, where Paalu browsed Martin’s ghoulish sketches, characterized by a razor-sharp interpretation of refreshened mythological creatures.

Paalu was speechless, yet felt an urge to colorize the monochromatic strokes as if they were his own.