Artist Beni Bischoff’s offbeat new book of paintings inspired by the Rambo films

Artist Beni Bischoff has just released a bonkers new book titled Rambo. Over three weeks, Beni watched the 1985 film Rambo II over and again while sitting in front of the TV and painting over 300 watercolours, which have come together in this book published by Nieves.

The Switzerland-based artist is known for his ability to translate existing images and texts in new ways by finding inspiration in the everyday through novels, fashion mags, adverts and films. His attraction to the well-known film series, which stars meathead Sylvester Stallone as a specially skilled yet troubled Vietnam War veteran, was the visceral nature of the series and in particular the visual material the second instalment offered.

“What fascinates me about Rambo II? It’s the most typical Rambo movie of them all. Even if the first Rambo is probably better, Rambo: First Blood Part II covers all stereotypes,” says Beni. “Absolutely exaggerated and unwillingly funny, there’s jungle dirt, sweat, muscles, weapons, explosions, simple dialogue, testosterone, stupid army officers, underdogs, and film tricks everywhere. It’s one big cliché.”

In the book are all of Beni’s drawings and paintings, full-bleed and wonderfully colourful. From hand-written artworks to loose watercolour figures and more abstract shapes, the book is an entertaining and unique interpretation of Rambo II, an action film rarely associated with such freedom and creativity.