Why Unhappily Ever After artist Jeff Hong puts Disney characters in dystopian situations

ART IS MORE THAN “A PRETTY PICTURE”

Even though Hong spent four years in animation at Disney and grew up loving Disney movies, it was only when he later attended the renowned Rhode Island School of Design that he developed a strong interest in creating art which sent a message.

“I learnt more about conceptual art, like putting thought behind art. Other than having it being a pretty picture, there can actually be meaning behind artworks,” explained the 46-year-old who’s based in New York. 

“I feel like my series Unhappily Ever After combined my love for Disney animation, my love for fine art and conceptual art, as well as my ethics and what I grew up thinking about how we treat this world, how we treat people around us.”

Punk music, too, played a role in shaping Hong’s values. The music he was passionate about was “very forward thinking”, dealing with issues like animal rights and equality, he added. 

“So (the series) combined everything about what I liked and came together like a perfect marriage.”