X-men Demon Days issue 1 

This is Stanley Artgerm Lau’s cover for X-Men Demon Days issue 1, created in the 21st century using digital painting techniques. This artwork invites us to consider the relationship between traditional craft aesthetics and digital production. At first glance, Lau's image appears like a conventional illustration, however, its creation relies entirely on digital tools, and the craft is defined by the artist's skill in manipulating software to mimic the textures and effects of traditional painting. Look closely at the rendering of the character's clothing, hat, and sword – each element meticulously crafted with attention to light, shadow, and detail. The subject, with her katana and traditional garb, brings with it histories of artisanal skill, and the labour necessary to produce and perfect the tools and objects. Yet here, that history is referenced through the thoroughly modern mode of digital image-making, reflecting our culture’s complex relationship with labor and technology. This piece encourages us to appreciate the artistry involved in digital illustration, blurring the lines between fine art and digital craft.