My Surreal Journey with Fantastic Planet and Roland Topor’s Art

I first discovered Fantastic Planet (also known as La Planète Sauvage), the 1973 French-Czech animated film, after stumbling upon low-quality clips on YouTube. Intrigued by the strange visuals, I decided to find a better version and got the DVD. I knew I was about to experience a surreal, trippy ride into the psychedelic world of the Draags.

The Influence of Roland Topor’s Art on Fantastic Planet

The movie’s visual style immediately captured my attention, and much of that is thanks to the French illustrator Roland Topor, whose surreal artwork heavily influenced the film’s unique aesthetic. His work spans multiple genres, from illustration to film, always retaining a dreamlike, often unsettling, quality. I’ve long admired Topor’s surrealist approach and the way his imagination pushes boundaries.

Creating My Linocut Print of a Draag’s Face

Inspired by Fantastic Planet and Roland Topor’s contribution to its psychedelic vibe, I decided to make a linocut print of the Draag’s face—one of the towering blue alien species featured in the film. Linocut, a printmaking technique, is perfect for capturing the bold, graphic style of the Draags.

Here’s a look into my creative process for the linocut art:

1. Sketching the Draag: I began with a pencil sketch, focusing on the hypnotic eyes and distinct facial features.

2. Carving the Linoleum: Using traditional printmaking tools, I carved the sketch into linoleum, carefully preserving the essence of the surreal design.

3. Printing: After inking the linocut block, I printed it onto paper!

If you’re a fan of surreal art, Roland Topor, or French animation like Fantastic Planet, I hope you enjoy this homage through the lens of printmaking