Dave MacDowell's contemporary works distort our lovable childhood stories and favorite films into nightmarish cultural parodies ... and we love it.

"There's a relatable power to cool subject matter, and I always try to sprinkle in subliminal subtle statements about media and corporate establishment," MacDowell told us over email. "I never get hate mail, because those looking for a fight aren't looking deep enough to get pissed."

As a kid, MacDowell grew up reading MAD, Cracked and Heavy Metal magazines as well absorbing everything Disney had to offer. All of these sources serve as his current artistic inspiration, which can be seen in works like The Enchanted Mental Hospital and LollyPulp Fiction.

MacDowell seems to have something of a fascination for Jack Nicholson and Samuel L. Jackson. In the past year he has portrayed both actors in a number of his paintings. The artist also loves to paint Walt Disney and warp some of his trademark characters.

"Usually [Disney's] brainwashing the kids in the paintings ... just like in real life," remarks MacDowell.

Keep reading for some of Asylum's favorite paintings from this remarkable artist.


Bad Mutha Wizard







Go Ask Alice



The Wrath of Veruca



Freaky Friday



Cross My Heart



When Yoko Ate Ringo