The resurgence in the popularity of illustrative art can be attributed to an array of factors. Although the acceptance of graphic novels as something more than just comic books has been established for quite some time, when McSweeney's released its all-comics issue in 2004, the mainstream media's reaction elevated the medium, its words and images to something beyond genre. As a result, such drawings and illustrations have found their ways into marketing campaigns, ads and galleries.

Doe-eyed girls in pink dresses, animated desserts, bubbly cartoon characters--at first blush these qualities seem to define the work contained in EdgyCute. But a Closer look reveals a dead rat on a plate, lurking skeletons, the crying birdhouse; there is nothing sugary-sweet about those cupcakes and Pinocchio will use that revolver he s holding.

Harry Saylor, owner of Orbit Gallery, has assembled a motley band of artists that dwell in the nether regions of our imaginations Where malevolence and immorality transmogrify purity and naivety, breeding the EdgyCute aesthetic. While the work of these 48 artists varies greatly, it all strikes irresistible poses that have found their ways into museums and galleries, marketing campaigns and our dreams.

BLABBING ABOUT EDGYCUTE

EDGYCUTE: DISNEY POISON & ANIHE EROTICA

DISNET POISON

Kathie Olivas

Ana Bagayan

Brandi Milne

Emma Overman

Michael Caines

Vivienne Strauss

Bocce

Annie Mason

Niccoleta Ceccoli

Chris Uminga

POISON CONTROL

Ryan Heshka

Travis tempe

Angola Houltkamp

EVIL SEDUCTION

Brian Holderman

Joe Scarano

Gary Baseman

Hitch O'Connell

Robbie Busch

Lisa Petrucci

Brandt Elling Peters

Kirsten Easthope

Brian Viveros

Judy Ragagli

Keith Weesner

MID-CENTURY NOSTALGIA

Matte Stephens

Derick Yaniger

Gary Taxali

Greg Gossel

Shag

Curtis Jobling

Mark Atomos Pilon

Brian Taylor

Chris Crites

Jeff Burnette

BIZARRE GROTESOUE

Elizabeth McGrath

Daron Parton

Motemichi Nakamura

Donald Roller Wilson

Lex

HEROES

Jeff Bell

Crash

SURREAL

Jarred Eastman

Todd Marrone

Hal Mayferth

Gerd DaCha

Jeremiah Ketner

Redney Alan Greenbtat

Kevin Scalzo