Swiss artist H.R. Giger who is famous for designing the monster for the film "Alien" has died aged 74. An employee of his museum said he died on Monday in Zurich from injuries after a fall.
The creature designs he came up with for the Ridley Scott sci-fi film earned him an Academy Award for Visual Effects in 1980.
Giger, who was born in Chur, Switzerland, in 1940, developed a strong passion for all things surreal in his childhood.
He took inspiration from imagery of such people as Gustav Meyrink, Jean Cocteau, Alfred Kubin and H.P. Lovecraft.
This 'Alien' design earned him an Academy Award in 1980
His art saw a vast wealth of exotic women, bizarre landscapes and frightening creatures that have captured the fascination of millions worldwide.
His paintings were usually done in large formats.
In 1975 Giger saw tragedy when his partner, Swiss actress Li Tobler, took her own life. He later married Mia Bonzanigo in 1982 but the couple subsequently divorced.
It was his art book, 'Necronomicon' that caught the eye of director Ridley Scott as he was searching for the right look for a creature in his upcoming film.
