Dutch artist Raymond Lemstra's linear and colorful illustrations often veer into the disconcerting or the grotesque. Interested in the curiosity and raw imagination of childhood fantasies, Lemstra attempts to bridge the gap between adulthood and the infinite wonder of childhood by creating fantasy worlds populated with the figures of his creation.

"In childhood one encounters and experiences many things for the first time," says Dutch artist Raymond Lemstra. "Through curiosity and imagination, these moments are lifted to almost magical heights. I try to bring back the sense of wonder we remember from being a child, bridging the young and mature, by creating a contained fantasy world populated by my characters."

Raymond Lemstra uses inspiration from primitive art in order to create his illustrations, in the sense that he puts emphasis on different parts of the body in accordance to their interest level. His work is incredibly surreal and his figures are highly resolved in order to contrast the primitive thought process of his work.

Two new shows are set to open at NYC's Bold Hype Gallery: Raymond Lemstra tonight, November 3, and Scott Scheidly & Andrew Spear showing new works next week starting on November 10. Lemstra's show tonight is part of the Pictoplasma NYC gallery walk.