Dawn Treader Concept Art

Staff Writer: DL Mullan

Scouring the web, the mention of some visual aids to help our imaginations touch a beloved movie got the mouse clicking. Unfortunately, the supposed concept art for the next Narnia movie has been removed from various sites citing "at the request of the artist." The notations not only included clips, but also links.

As a web savvy individual, I found the pieces in question without much fuss. The images are not labeled, so there is no direct confirmation of the studio or which movie is implicated.

Though many questions were formulated: Why have such images on your website if no one is supposed to know about them? I understand not displaying an artist's art on another site without expressed permission, but why not a link? Are we not to appreciate the process by which the pieces were created?

All but a couple of images are generic and beautiful fantasy pieces. No real movie to tag the artworks to accept for the two other pieces I mentioned. A lion, really? Did you not think fans could make the connection?

If the artist truly wanted to keep his concept art a secret from the rest of us, then why put those two images up with the others? I would have kept back the works of art that are obvious and let mystery surround the rest as mere pieces to behold. The industry would be satisfied and the audience would be none the wiser.

As an artist myself, I could not believe the audacity of the artist's look but don't touch policy toward his art. No watermarks. High resolution images. Are you nuts? My pieces have my web address imprinted on them as well my art is not printer ready. Changes need to be made, but perhaps by the artist and not the fans. As you have just discovered, you're art is not safe on the web.

For anonymity's sake, I will not mention the artist's name or provide any links. What I will say is the art in question is fantastic, beautiful, and story tells. No wonder in my mind as to why this gentlemen is a professional artist and that the images displayed will supposedly not be in the film itself. (Then why the hooplah?)

OHG will respect the artist and/or any contractual obligations for silence, but OHG feels displaying images no one can touch, feel, or experience is not art at all. Art is a symbol of our society and should be enjoyed by us all, even from afar.

All we ask is to link and let fans decide if the images convey the heart of Narnia.

Update 9/22: The artist's website no longer displays the images viewed as potential Dawn Treader Concept Art pieces- none that was discerned anyway. His industry reel is in video format (good for him) and is spectacular. The video enhances the individual artworks and is a great experience for art/movie lovers. Also, Narniaweb updated its page and has a link to the artist's website for those fans who are curious.


--DL Mullan is an artist and writer- for more information, please visit the Staff and Editor page.