2023 Interpretation of Melkor (Pre-Fall), by DVK.

Melkor, a character of immense complexity and darkness within Tolkien's rich mythology. However, in this piece, I have chosen to explore Melkor in his pre-fallen state, and his descent into darkness had not yet begun.

This version of Melkor allows for a unique exploration of his character, his ambition, and the potential that was ultimately corrupted. I believe Melkor's fate could have been different. He was misunderstood, an outcast, which made him bitter and eventually vengeful. The jealousy of his siblings, such as Manwë and Varda, drove him away. If the story had taken a different turn, he could have forged immense and unimaginable beauty, much like many other historical villains could have.

Now, what draws me to Tolkien's work is the sheer magnitude of detail and the vastness of his universe. Tolkien's ability to craft intricate stories and richly detailed worlds is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The wealth of characters, cultures, and storylines within his legendarium is what truly intrigues and captivates me as an artist. It's akin to delving into a bottomless well of inspiration, with every corner of Middle-earth offering a new layer of depth and complexity.

The role of creation and destruction in an artist's life is a theme that has always fascinated me. Tolkien himself was both a creator and a destroyer, shaping and reshaping his world through his stories. In homage to this artistic process, I embarked on the task of reimagining Melkor in his earlier, less corrupted state.

I employed this upscaling method that I developed, utilizing both AI and GAN to breathe new life into the artwork. After the upscaling process, I dedicated numerous hours to meticulously hand-paint intricate details myself.