Michael Cross is a self-taught artist from Eugene, Oregon, who has a talent for mixing media to generate work with multiple levels of meaning.
With his series of celebrity portraiture, Michael Cross superimposes the faces of people like Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence and many more. Other works of his target more serious subjects however, including a portrait of a starving boy that's placed over data that reveals how deep global inequality truly is.
Michael Cross' artwork is incredibly detailed, making his unconventional canvas seem even more integral to the piece as it is made to blend into the faces of his subjects seamlessly. The use of newspaper as a backdrop additionally speaks to how media can often take over one's life if they find themselves too immersed in it, a concept that especially poignant in the case of celebrities.
Celebrity Newspaper Portraits
Michael Cross Depicts Well-Known Figures Over Printed Paper
Trend Themes
1. Mixed Media Art - Artists can explore mixed media techniques to add multiple layers of meaning and create visually engaging artwork.
2. Celebrity Culture Critique - Artworks that critique and challenge the obsession with celebrity culture can offer a fresh perspective and generate discussions.
3. Incorporating Everyday Objects - Using unconventional canvases like newspapers or other everyday objects can add depth and convey unique messages in art.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - Artists can experiment with mixed media techniques to create innovative artwork that resonates with viewers.
2. Media and Entertainment - The critique of celebrity culture depicted in Michael Cross' artwork can inspire media professionals to explore more thought-provoking content.
3. Social Activism - Art that addresses social issues, like global inequality in Michael Cross' artworks, can inspire social activists to use creative approaches to raise awareness.