The artwork titled “The Last Poets Holy Terror” was created by artist Abdul Mati Klarwein in 1993. It falls under the art movements of Fantastic Realism and Magic Realism, and it is categorized as an illustration. This particular piece was made to serve as an album cover, thus forming part of a series dedicated to this genre of artwork.
In the artwork, there is a central figure which appears to be a stylized, humanoid form. The face is elongated, with multiple eyes looking out in various directions, and there are protrusions from the head resembling hands. The color palette consists of bold, vibrant hues with a predominant use of purples, blues, and oranges, which create a vivid, almost otherworldly visual experience.
Surrounding the central figure are patterns that evoke both organic and psychedelic motifs, with fluid shapes and electrifying lines suggesting movement and energy. The backdrop of the composition contains abstract elements that further contribute to the sense of fantastical surrealism. The title and band name are prominently displayed at the top of the artwork, integrating the textual information within the fantastical theme of the cover. This integration is reflective of the dual purpose of the artwork, both as a stand-alone visual piece and as a functional design element for an album cover. The artwork encapsulates a dynamic blend of symbolism, abstract form, and visual intensity which is characteristic of both Fantastic Realism and Magic Realism, where the boundary between the real and the imagined is seamlessly blurred.
