These 25+ Cynical Illustrations Will Make You See the World Differently

From a young age, each and every one of us was taught how the world works — or, more accurately, how it should run, according to a handful of powerful individuals who control the majority of the world’s wealth. Not until we matured and were able to perceive the world as it is, did some of us realize that it is, in fact, incredibly flawed. The “system” we are a part of, regardless of geographical location, is as jumbled and imperfect as those who attempt to influence it.

Credit: Marco Melgrati

Unfortunately, the majority of the populace is blind to this reality. They live their lives baking on false security which has been sold to them in the form of college debt, a mortgage, and a 9-5 job they hate.

Life on this planet does not have to be so dismal. But, until the mass populace “wakes up,”  overcomes prejudice, and demands change, nothing will. This truth can be hard to stomach which is why sometimes, it is helpful to reflect on bitter truths that afford some humor. Artwork by Italian illustrator Marco Melgrati allows us to do just that.

Melgrati’s illustrations are both layered with meaning and straightforward. For instance, one image shows a depressed individual painting a happy portrait of herself on social media. Another illustration shows a politician addressing the public; his shadow reveals his true character, however.

Melgrati wrote on Bored Panda:

“I’m an Italian freelance illustrator, at the moment living in Mexico City. I work with magazines by mail, mostly for USA, Italia, and Mexico. I work in mixed media traditional plus digital program.”

Perhaps through art, the populace will be alerted to happenings which, more often than not, are suppressed. 

Following are 25+ cynical illustrations that will make you see the world differently:

#1 Shadow Games

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#2 The Answer

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#3 The Magic Carpet

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#4 Beautiful Life On Social Media

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#5 The Price Isn’t Right

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#6 Abstract?

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#7 Very Open Profiles

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#8 Sexual Harassment And Revelations

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#9 Social Media Confessions

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#10 Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#11 Political Corruption

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#12 Ego

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#13 In Gun We Trust

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#14 The Hashtag Net

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#15 Cosmic Love

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#16 The Hunter

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#17 The Zoo

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#18 Banned From Literacy

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#19 Choose The True Enemy

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#20 Aim High

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#21 Free Inside

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#22 Socrates: the Doubt Maker

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#23 Ego

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#24 Confuse Your Enemy

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#25 Writing Therapy

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#26 Real Touch

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#27 Is Capitalism Inherently Evil?

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#28 Bitcoin Mania

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#29 Appear Strong When You Are Weak And Weak When You Are Strong

Credit: Marco Melgrati

#30 Grow Fast

Credit: Marco Melgrati

h/t Bored Panda