Strange Days Have Found Us
Unsolicited opinions about imagery
H.R. Giger
The work of H.R. Giger is rife with humanoid imagery restrained within robotics and technology- which I think is a very relevant image for the present moment in 2025. The resurgence of enthusiasm in his work via the "Alien" franchise comes as no surprise to me. His work draws inspiration from so many sources. Occultism and technology are probably the most common inspirations for his work- particularly the occultism of Aleister Crowley. Pictured right is Giger's life cycle tableau, undoubtedly inspired by the various ancient Egyptian tablets displaying the goddess Nuit bridging over all events.
Aleister Crowley's belief system, Thelema, draws inspiration for its belief system from the ancient Egyptian pantheon, venerating the imagery of the same ancient stele. Pictured below is a replica of the Stelae of Ankh af na Khonsu used in OTO ritual. The lodge from which I sourced the image below is here.
Another occultism link in Giger's works can be found in his lesser-known Necronomicon art book, and subsequent tarot deck. Personally, I love this tarot deck so much, and I'm very disappointed at how rare and expensive it is. One of my many consumer-oriented goals is to own one of these. It is such an interesting interpretation of the traditional Rider-Waite tarot (the tarot deck imagery most people are familiar with). The odd, twisting, grating, possessing nature of this deck traverses the edge of possibility and pushes the viewer's understanding further than questions of humanity. It's such an odd brand of horror.
I often pick up features of Giger's work in the editorial fashion and music videos of artist FKA twigs. Her iteration of Afro-Futurism brings a certain softness to the typical harshness of futurism, and this delicate edge offers a refreshing approach to this unique, cold, and often terrifying imagery. She's such a style icon, honestly.
I also see Giger inspiration draws from the Metal band Nile. This band fuses ancient Egyptian history and instruments with modern technical Death
Metal soundscapes. I am very envious of those who have gotten to see them live. Their shows are phenomenal and their talent is extraordinary. If you like drums and
appreciate technical talent, listen to Nile and tell me you don't love it. I dare you. Also- another interesting Aleister Crowley link: in the album pictured below,
which is my favorite, there is a song titled "Liber Stellae Rubae," and the lyrics are directly transplanted from a Rite of the same name. Interesting fun fact.
Click the image below for a link to the song!
