Under Fire | The Malevolence Beneath

In a collection of four brand-new artworks, Whatshisname The Malevolence Beneath 2025 depicts well-known cartoon characters in a new light, conveying themes of lost innocence and nostalgia. A visual metaphor for growing up and uncovering the unsettling truths hidden beneath once-beloved images, the artworks reflect on how our perception has changed from childhood to adulthood, as characters once seen as pure and joyful now appear menacing.

Whilst the black and white conveys early animation styles, reinforcing nostalgic feelings, the disruption in the monochrome composition with a yellow strip across the character’s eye reinforces feelings of danger and censorship.

This duality reflects on how childhood nostalgia acts as a filter, hiding flaws in the characters we once adored and over time we, as adults, see the cracks in these once-perfect figures, just as we do in real life.

Find out more about this collection here, or alternatively, shop more Whatshisname art here.