In Sofia’s Cryptid Art Space, Portuguese illustrator João Reis launched his latest project, “Altered States of the Peel”, on Monday, the venue’s staff said. The exhibition showcases anthropomorphic banana versions of cult horror and science‑fiction characters, placing them in a spooky yet humorous reimagining that the organisers described as “not for the faint of heart”.
The show runs until November 14, and it is an extension of Reis’s long‑term Planet Potassium exhibition, a personal project that imagines an alternate universe in which bananas take the place of humans. The organisers said this world blends cultural references, imaginary characters, and surreal humour with retro‑style art.
The exhibition features the familiar facial features and clothing of horror icons, now rendered in bright banana-coloured paper and ink. The artist uses a combination of graphic design and illustration techniques, drawing inspiration from vintage cinema, classic animation, retro comics, and the visual culture of the first half and mid‑20th century.
Reis, who lives and works in Sofia, addressed visitors directly in a video message that was displayed at the entrance.
What awaits you is not for the faint of heart,Reis warned.
He invited the audience into a world of “twisted fantasies, monstrous creations, and curious wonders,” where the familiar takes on a sinister form, nightmares creep out from beneath the banana peel, and the line between absurdity and terror begins to blur, the video explained.
According to the venue’s organisers, “the exhibition promises to present a spooky yet humorous reimagining of familiar monsters.” They added that visitors should be prepared for the unexpected, as the characters appear and disappear in uncanny ways.
The bowl‑dark lighting of the Cryptid Art Space enhances the effect, heightening the uncanny atmosphere that the exhibition aims for. In addition to the banana‑scaled figures, the display includes original sketches and digital works that were produced by Reis over several years.
While the organisers did not release a full list of characters, elements such as classic film monsters, sci‑fi heroes, and iconic monsters known for their grotesque transformation were implied. Thematically, each piece questions humanity’s ability to reconcile the absurd and frightening aspects of modern culture.
By blending graphic design with nostalgic references, Reis invites Sofia’s art community to re‑experience these icons in a novel way. The exhibition’s unique premise encourages the audience to question what they recognise in familiar tropes, and explore how the banana motif can encode both comedy and terror.
For those who wish to explore the exhibition further, the Cryptid Art Space remains open until November 14, offering a chance to examine how Portuguese illustrator João Reis repurposes beloved characters into a fresh, banana‑centric universe that both delights and unnerves.
