Gallery of the Absurd

Sweet Poison Puts the Ass in Aspartame

There's been a long-running debate over whether or not the artificial sweetener Aspartame, found in diet drinks, sugar-free gum and products such as Equal and NutraSweet, is causing you harm.  As expected, the folks who created Aspartame AKA Sweet Poison in their secret laboratories, along with those who use it in their products say it's safe for human consumption. Even the FDA claims it's a-okay! However, several medical experts and organizations claim that's a bunch of crap. Aspartame has been blamed for symptoms of neurological disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, as well as brain tumors, weight gain, headaches, and much more.  One of the more startling claims out there is that Aspartame is created from....wait for it....the poop of genetically modified bacteria.  Now then, is that what you want to dump in your coffee? Medium: digital paint, illustration by Bob Lizarraga.

Liquid Satan Lurks in The Darkness of Your Pantry

My latest project has been collaborating on a set of trading cards inspired by the numerous toxic ingredients found in products we consume every day.  Frightening side-effects caused by chemicals in our food, water and home/personal care products are making us sick. Working with artist Bob Lizarraga, we plan to turn these ingredients into the true monsters they are! Above: This sweet sludge lurks in just about everything from soft drinks to jellies and even wheat bread. Dubbed by some as "Liquid Satan", High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is being blamed for the obesity epidemic and an increase in diabetes in adults and children.  Latest studies even show it contributes to cancer cell growth - scary. There are however, many who believe HFCS is safe. It's just sweet innocent sugar, that's all. Nothing to worry about. They might feel that way because HFCS is cheaper and more abundant than real sugar, thereby making profits much more plentiful. All that extra cash keeps Liquid Satan nice and fat, with a closet full of polyester leisure suits and plenty of sharp forks to poke you with. Medium: Ink on paper, digital color. Illustration by 14.

Is Michelle Obama Our Very Own Marie Antoinette?

Much brouhaha has been raised over Michelle Obama's lavish vacation extravaganza at an opulent Spanish beach resort.  Shooing vacationing commoners away, she and her gaggle of friends took over a beach in Marbella and dined on lobster with Spanish royalty. Some say the First Lady should demonstrate the sacrifice her husband has been urging Americans to embrace during these difficult economic times, and many feel the Obama administration is out of touch with the American people. Of course there's others out there who feel otherwise and that Michelle Obama is simply demonstrating "positive living and the American dream of prosperity". Medium: photo illustration and digital paint.