In one New Jersey home, an unexpected piece of artwork has found a place of honor in the bathroom—a drawing of internet sensation Salad Fingers.
Salad Fingers is a disturbing and surreal animated series created by British animator David Firth. The series was created in the early 2000s and became a fast favorite with millennials online.
The character of Salad Fingers is a thin, green and mentally troubled man who inhabits a post-apocalyptic world.
The series developed a cult following after gaining viral attention in the early 2000s, with the character known for his love of inanimate objects and imaginary friends.
“I drew it myself! I was 15 when I drew it,” 29-year-old Hannah Paselio told Newsweek. The charcoal and pencil drawing is now in her boomer parents’ bathroom—despite them initially having no idea who the character was.
@thebalkanbarbie/TikTok
When she initially drew the picture, Paselio was taking classes at Repenning Fine Arts in Audubon, New Jersey, but she had no idea that her parents would fall in love with it.
“I had no idea that [my mom] would love it and have it framed. She has it in her private bathroom upstairs so people don’t see it,” Paselio said.
She shared the unusual situation with viewers on TikTok, where a video reveal of the Salad Fingers art has been viewed over 600,000 times.
TikToker Liana Molly said: “Alright, NOTHING could have prepared me for Salad Fingers.” While Sarah shared her own grandmother’s connection to the same character: “My grandma keeps a clay figure my sister made of Salad Fingers sitting in her kitchen. She doesn’t understand.”
Meanwhile, Ultra_Rachel was envious: “I am obsessed with this!!! Why didn’t my kids draw me a salad fingers.”
“The reaction people are having is awesome,” Paselio said. “Salad Fingers was a millennial staple, and it’s been really cool and validating to see that people like my drawing because I don’t really have the time to create art anymore, and it kind of inspired me to keep creating stuff.”
Other commenters on TikTok were delighted that Paselio’s parents had displayed the art work despite knowing nothing about the subject, with Kay summing it up as “so wholesome.”
After having the picture in the bathroom for some time, Paselio’s parents took the plunge and watched some Salad Fingers online. “My parents want you to mention that they watched the video of Salad Fingers and loved it!” said Paselio.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.