Swiss surrealist artist H.R. Giger, the man who designed the title creature in the sci-fi classic ‘Alien’, passed away on Monday after suffering injuries in a fall. He was a truly unique talent.

More than just the creature itself, Giger’s aesthetic infused the entire ‘Alien’ film and was a critical component in its success and enduring appeal. Later, he designed the “Sil” alien in ‘Species’.

In the late 1970s, Giger worked with Alejandro Jodorowsky on the director’s aborted adaptation of ‘Dune’. Giger’s work for that project was published in several art books, and is currently featured in the documentary ‘Jodorowsky’s Dune’.

I don’t have much to add here, other than to voice my appreciation. Giger’s “biomechanical” designs were always instantly recognizable and identifiable as his own. His work was frequently imitated but never duplicated. In my college years, I spent quite a bit of time flipping through the pages of his art books at my university’s library and scrutinizing the disturbing, sensualized imagery in each painting.

H.R. Giger was 74-years-old.

[Source: ABC News]