Medium: marker on paper
Size: 9" x 12"
Year: 1992
My Pet Alien by Markham is a raw and energetic marker-on-paper illustration created in 1992. Measuring 9" x 12", this piece embodies an unfiltered, underground comic aesthetic, bursting with vivid colors and exaggerated expressions. The composition captures a moment of grotesque horror and absurdity as a monstrous, purple alien creature violently bursts through the torso of a wide-eyed, terrified figure. The alien's dripping tongue, jagged teeth, and unsettling gaze heighten the chaotic energy of the piece.
The use of bold, high-contrast colors—deep purples, blood reds, and vibrant oranges—adds to the visceral intensity. The jagged, exaggerated linework enhances the frantic movement within the scene, drawing inspiration from punk rock zines, horror comics, and outsider art. There’s a deliberate rawness in the technique, giving the piece an expressive immediacy that feels both spontaneous and gripping.
Markham’s work here taps into themes of body horror and dark humor, presenting a moment that’s as unsettling as it is strangely amusing. The inclusion of a toy robot holstered at the character’s waist adds an ironic touch, as if this unexpected alien outburst was an inevitable consequence of some ill-fated sci-fi adventure.
This piece is in like-new condition and comes with an artist’s certificate of authenticity. My Pet Alien is an electrifying addition to any collection, especially for those who appreciate rebellious, boundary-pushing art that fuses horror, humor, and raw expression. At just $20, it’s an accessible entry into Markham’s early work, offering a glimpse into his developing artistic voice.
