Krampus
September 16'th, 2024
Artwork created for the label design of a beer brewed by Bierol, depicting the horned creature Krampus who, according to Alpine folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of Dec. 5th known as Krampusnacht (en. Krampus Night). Holding a bundle of birch branches to punish children, and a basket on his back in which to kidnap them, he’s normally depicted with goat horns but I decided to give him ibex horns instead, as an homage to the beautiful mountains of Tyrol where the brewery is based. I also went with a much more organic-looking spit-dripping tongue to give him this dynamic, almost chaotic pose. Similarly, even though usually depicted in shackles and chains — to symbolize the binding of the Devil by the Christian Church — I chose to break those shackles and set the beast free.
After creating this artwork I also gave an interview with the Bierol brewery about my inspiration, my art practice, and myself in general. You can read the interview, in German, on their website.
This illustration © 2024 by Radu Luchian is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
