Everyone is obsessed with something. And when I say obsessed, I don’t mean they like it a lot. There’s a difference between someone who likes Star Trek and someone who speaks fluent Klingon and describes every life challenge as a “Kobayashi Maru.” No matter how unusual the obsession may seem, having an intense passion for a particular something can help us develop kinships with like-minded people. Plus, unusual interests often inspire and even more unusual art!
As another pandemic edition of Valentine’s Day approaches, it reminds us that feeling connected is essential to the human condition. Through our common interests we’re able to form bonds that grow into lifelong friendships or something even more profound—LOVE. So let’s celebrate the things we’re most obsessed with and let others know they aren’t alone in their undying fandom. Here are eight unusual art themes that show just how intense our love can be for our particular interests.
Seriously Feline Those Cat Vibes
Are you a citizen of the internet? You’re reading this blog post, so the answer is yes. That means your social-media feeds are often flooded with videos of cats playing keyboards, cats riding Roombas, and cats destroying everything. If you’re just as obsessed with cats as the rest of the internet, Threadless is your cornucopia for cat art. Designs such as “Cats Are Nice” and “Espresso Patronum” are just a few that show admiration for the cat community.
Taco Tuesday? No, Taco EVERYDAY.
If you don’t ever need an excuse to eat tacos, then the question “What do you want for dinner?” will never be a declaration of war with your significant other. What’s not to love? They’re highly customizable, making them perfect for picky eaters. Plus, they can fit in the breast pocket of your coat when you want a snack for the road. The “Tacos Al Pastor” throw pillow makes a great gift for a home where tacos are always on the menu.
A Well-Furnished House of Horrors
Horror movies can be chilling, gory, and gross—and that’s why we love them! There’s something intriguing about the macabre, which might explain how the horror genre has produced so many cult classics. If you never want to be spared the gruesome details, designs such as “Horrorscope” and “Always Follow Your Dreams” will keep the Halloween vibes coming all year round.
Unicorns Are Real (In Our Hearts)
Contrary to popular belief, unicorns are not found in Greek mythology. Surprisingly enough, Greek writers of natural history believed the horned beasts actually existed! If you’ve ever bought a Lisa Frank folder or stuck an ice cream cone on your forehead, designs such as “Destroy the Patriarchy” and “Skeleton Unicorn” might remind you of your favorite fantastical creature.
It’s 4:20 Somewhere
The world at large is finally beginning to soften its stance on marijuana. In fact, recent studies have shown that cannabis may deliver potential benefits. It might relieve chronic pain, improve lung capacity, and make Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 actually funny. If you know someone special who embraces the 420 lifestyle, let them know they’re the best of buds with a “Cute Friends” throw pillow and “Mr. Green” t-shirt.
Video Games Are Life
What’s the secret to getting ahead in life? Some say it’s accountability, a strong work ethic, and a little bit of luck. Others say it’s Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. If you fall into the “others” category, then video games might just be your absolute favorite pastime. At Threadless, you can build the ideal gaming sanctuary for you and your friends with home accessories such as the “Koopa Kaiju” mounted aluminum print and “The Pipe” framed fine art print.
In Love with Being in Love
Some people aren’t just obsessed with love, they’re obsessed with the rituals of being in love. Those rituals can include buying the occasional bouquet of flowers, going out for dinner and a movie, or playing tug of war with the covers every night. If someone you know is a hopeless romantic, make their Valentine’s Day feel special with designs such as “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “Love Songs.”
Jurassic Times Call for Jurassic Measures
Although the last dinosaurs died more than 65 million years ago, our fascination with them will never go extinct. Most people have a favorite dinosaur, from the ferocious Tyrannosaurus rex to the long-necked Brontosaurus to the bookish Thesaurus. If someone you know dreams about owning their own Jurassic Park, first tell them it never ends well, then surprise them with a “Dino-Raur!” shirt as a consolation.
This list of unusual art themes shows that no matter how niche or quirky your obsessions might seem, our artist community has probably already created art inspired by them. Rather than hiding our obsessions, let’s find ways to bond over them so we can all feel more connected, especially during times we need it most. And most importantly, let’s celebrate unusual art!
The dinosaur designs featured at the top of this post are “Jurassic Ukiyo-E 2” by Vincent Trinidad Art, “Jurachic Period” by mikekoubou and TeoZ, “T-Rexicorn” by obinsun, “Dinosaurs” by makart, and “The Bodacious Period” by Hillary White.
