Carl Sukenick is a New York–based visual artist and independent filmmaker known for his work in low-budget horror and underground experimental film. He has directed and starred in several cult genre films including “Space Psychos” and “Alien Beasts.” His work is often recut, reinterpreted, and retitled by other filmmakers and producers.

His drawings, paintings, and mixed-media works frequently depict monsters, aliens, mutant characters and creatures including an ongoing body of work loosely referred to as the heads, in which emotion is conveyed through minimal, gestural marks. Sukenick’s works reflect a lifetime as a maker and devoted fan of film, visual art, and music.

Carl cites his late wife, Carol, as his most significant influence. He also draws inspiration from various sources, including classical music, the films of Dario Argento, and the Frankenstein and Dracula movies, as well as "Seven Brothers." Additionally, he is inspired by Japanese monsters such as Godzilla, Mothra, Gappa, and Rodan. Other influences include Stan Brakhage's "Mothlight," the painter Claude Monet, kung fu films, and Italian zombie movies, particularly those shown in 42nd Street theaters, where titles like "Doctor Butcher M.D.," "City of the Walking Dead," and "City of the Dead" were screened.

LSD (Do Not Take This), 2022

More from this collection