Emerging Chinese photographer Maleonn fuses over ten years of training as a painter with his unique, theatrical photography style in the captivating Portrait of Mephisto series.
Each piece of the series began as a black and white photograph which was then printed on watercolor paper. Each piece is then exquisitely hand-painted into a masterpiece.
There are only five painted photographs of each scene. Hence, each edition of five consists of five original paintings.
Implications - With the recent proliferation of computer-generated graphics, consumers are now gravitating towards the fine arts because they feel computer-generated images are sterile and are more difficult to empathize with. They want artwork that's readily identifiable as being made by humans. Corporations looking to entice consumers using visual images may consider advertising campaigns which feature fine art.
Photo Paintings
Fusion Portrait of Mephisto
Trend Themes
1. Fine Art Revival - As consumers seek artwork that's identifiable as being made by humans, there is a growing interest and appreciation for fine art.
2. Hand-painted Photography - The fusion of photography and traditional painting techniques offers a unique artistic style that captures attention and resonates with viewers.
3. Limited Edition Artwork - The creation of only five original painted photographs of each scene creates exclusivity and scarcity, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts.
Industry Implications
1. Fine Arts - The resurgence of interest in fine art provides opportunities for artists, galleries, and art dealers to capitalize on the demand for unique and human-made artwork.
2. Advertising - Corporations can leverage the consumer preference for fine art by incorporating hand-painted photography in advertising campaigns, creating visually captivating and relatable content.
3. Collectibles - The limited edition nature of the painted photographs presents opportunities for collectors and art investors to acquire unique pieces that hold significant value over time.