Who Is H. R. Giger? Age, Biography, and Wiki
H. R. Giger was born on February 5, 1940, in Chur, Switzerland. He gained worldwide recognition for his unique visual style that blends surrealism, horror, and the biomechanical. Giger's fascination with the macabre and the complex relationship between humans and machines is evident in his most famous work, including the design of the creature in Ridley Scott's Alien (1979). He passed away on May 12, 2014, but remains an influential figure in both art and film.
| Occupation | Graphic Designer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1940 |
| Age | 74 Years |
| Birth Place | Chur, Graubünden, Switzerland |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Date of death | 12 May, 2014 |
| Died Place | Zürich, Switzerland |
Popularity
H. R. Giger's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a public artist known for his unique aesthetic, Giger stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. While specific details regarding his weight and other measurements are not widely available, his commanding presence and distinctive style were integral to his identity as an artist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
H. R. Giger was known to keep his personal life relatively private. He was married to Swiss artist and photographer, Carmen Maria Giger, who was a significant influence in his life and work. However, after their divorce, Giger did not publicly disclose much about his romantic relationships. Reports from his close friends suggested that he had a few relationships, but none were as prominent as his marriage.
His father, a pharmacist, viewed art as a "breadless profession" and strongly encouraged him to enter pharmacy. He moved to Zürich in 1962 where he studied architecture and industrial design at the School of Applied Arts until 1970.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, H. R. Giger had an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His income came not only from his artwork but also from royalties on merchandise and film projects that featured his designs. This figure reflects his impact on various industries, including gaming, film, and fine art.
Career, Business, and Investments
H. R. Giger's career spanned over several decades, during which he cultivated a unique niche within the realms of painting, sculpture, and design. His breakthrough came with the film Alien, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1980. Beyond Alien, Giger's work has appeared in numerous films, video games, and exhibitions worldwide.
Giger also ventured into the business world with the opening of the H. R. Giger Museum in Gruyères, Switzerland, which showcases both his creations and the inspirations behind them. His artistic style has influenced countless artists and designers, establishing a legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
Giger's first success occurred when H. H. Kunz, co-owner of Switzerland's first poster publishing company, printed and distributed Giger's first posters, beginning in 1969.
Social Network
H. R. Giger maintained a low profile on social media, which was less common in his era. However, the advancement of online platforms posthumously has allowed fans to share and celebrate his work. Various fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to his art can be found on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, keeping his legacy alive.
* Alien 3 (designed the dog-like Alien bodyshape, plus a number of unused concepts, many mentioned on the special features disc of Alien 3, despite not being credited in the theatrical version)
Education
Giger started his formal education at the School of Arts and Crafts in Zurich, where he studied architecture and design. His education laid the groundwork for his subsequent explorations in surrealism and biomechanics, eventually leading to his significant contributions to the world of art and cinema.
Giger's most distinctive stylistic innovation was that of a representation of human bodies and machines in cold, interconnected relationships, which he described as "biomechanical". His main influences were painters Dado, Ernst Fuchs, and Salvador Dalí. He was introduced to Dali by painter Robert Venosa.
Giger was also influenced by Polish sculptor Stanislaw Szukalski, and by painters Austin Osman Spare and Mati Klarwein, and was a personal friend of Timothy Leary. He studied interior and industrial design at the School of Commercial Art in Zurich from 1962 to 1965, and made his first paintings as art therapy.
