$5 Million
What is H.R. Giger’s Net Worth?
H.R. Giger was a Swiss surrealist painter who had a net worth of $5 million. H.R. Giger was born in Chur, Graubünden, Switzerland in February 1940 and passed away in May 2014. He utilized media such as furniture, record albums, and tattoo art and was known for his airbrushed images of machines and humans who were linked together in relationships. Giger was part of the team that won an Academy Award in design for the film Alien. Giger’s work is on display at the H.
R. Giger Museum at Gruyeres and there are two theme bars in Switzerland which reflect his interior designs. He also worked on the films Dune, Aliens, Alien 3, Alien: Resurrection, Poltergeist II: The Other Side, Species, Batman Forever, Future-Kill, and Prometheus. Giger worked with recording artists including Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Deborah Harry, Dead Kennedys, and Korn. H.R. Giger passed away on May 12, 2014 at the age of 74 as a result of fall.
Biography
Hans Ruedi Giger – A Visionary Artist
Hans Ruedi Giger, known by many as H.R. Giger, was a Swiss artist whose name became synonymous with a unique blend of human forms and mechanical elements, a style he coined as “biomechanical.” His contribution to the art world extended beyond traditional media, influencing various domains including film, music, and interior design.
Early Life – A Swiss Origin
Born on February 5, 1940, in Chur, Switzerland, Giger’s path to art was not straightforward. His father, a pharmacist, pushed for a more conventional career in pharmacy, hoping to dissuade him from pursuing art. However, Giger’s passion led him to Zurich in 1962 to study architecture and industrial design, a foundation that would significantly influence his artistic style.
Career – From Airbrushing to Alien
Giger’s artistic journey began with success when H.H. Kunz co-published his first posters in 1969. However, it was his involvement in the 1979 sci-fi horror film “Alien” that catapulted his work to global acclaim, earning him an Academy Award for his visual effects contributions. His designs, particularly those in his books “Necronomicon” and “Necronomicon II,” as well as his work in the magazine Omni, solidified his international reputation. Giger’s art was not confined to the canvas; it spanned album covers, furniture, and even video games. In 1998, he bought the Saint-Germain Castle in Gruyères, transforming it into the H.R. Giger Museum, a permanent home for his creations.
Personal Life – Relationships and Loss
Giger’s personal life was tinged with tragedy and love. His companion, Swiss actress Li Tobler, who frequently appeared in his work, died by suicide in 1975. He later married Mia Bonzanigo, but the marriage was short-lived. His life continued alongside his second wife, Carmen Maria Scheifele Giger, who became the director of his museum in Gruyères. His life came to an end in a Zurich hospital following a fall on May 12, 2014.
Style – The Biomechanical Aesthetic
Giger’s artistic evolution saw him move from ink drawings to oil and eventually airbrush, a tool that helped him create his iconic monochromatic dreamscapes. His biomechanical style was influenced by artists like Salvador Dalà and was also reflected in his designs for furniture and bar interiors.
Other Works – A Multidisciplinary Approach
Beyond painting, Giger directed films, created furniture, and even designed a signature series of guitars for Ibanez. His unique style left an indelible mark on the world of tattoo art and fetishism. Though he faced disappointments, such as the unauthorized adaptation of his bar designs in Tokyo, the Giger Bars in Switzerland stand as true representations of his vision.
Giger’s impact on popular culture is widespread, often referenced in the realms of science fiction and cyberpunk, exemplifying his lasting influence on contemporary art and design.
