Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Chinese, b. 1969
Alex Guofeng Cao discovered his passion, photography, in New York. Inspired by such masters as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Edward Weston and Robert Mapplethorpe, Cao studied and experimented with all methods and techniques of photography. While adept with color, Cao’s preferred medium is the black and white image. HIs deep fascination with the subtle gradations of tone between the deep black and the stark white are the genesis for all the colors he needs to create his world.
Cao’s most recent body of work is a series of images of popular culture icons. At a glance almost anyone can identify some, if not all, of his subjects. But upon closer inspection, one can see that the images are composed of a constellation of tiny repetitive images each slightly differing from its neighbors. The arrays of miniscule visages that compose and conspire to form the larger portraits are iconic images themselves. The plot thickens as one realizes that there is a dialogue between the chosen characters that inhabit each other.
The method of creation for Cao is that of composing a mosaic of memories into an impression of the present. Impressed and greatly influenced by the ideal forms and proportions of the iconic and statuesque sculptures of the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras, Cao’s works can be said to have their roots in Western antiquity. Another source of inspiration are impressions from his trip a decade ago to see the mosaic floors and walls of Naples and Pompeii. It’s the combination of these two base strategies that allows Cao’s works to take shape.
The images are imposing and arresting. With their immense dimensions, their presence can be felt from quite a distance away. The powerful oversized main images and the armies of tiny images that compose them are specifically paired to create a dialogue. The histories and backgrounds of each of the characters are pitted against each other. The image of Marilyn Monroe is populated by countless diminutive images of the Mona Lisa. These two women are, arguably, the most famous women in the world. They share an unusual bond in that they are both, in some ways, fictional characters. The pairing also suggests another connection in that they are both fantasies. One is the fantasy of the 20th century and the other is the singular fantasy of Leonardo DaVinci.
As one looks closer at the images and scrutinizes all the intricate details, one may begin to realize that hidden within the sea of tiny repetitive images are carefully chosen codes and clues that the artist inserted in strategic locations as a reminder of the events and situations in which these characters were involved in history.
In the end, the process of encoding and layering of information of the times is ultimately the goal. As time passes, information gets deposited into the works. These images undergo evolution and change and bear the marks of a collection of history, as well as the artist’s intent.to
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Artist: Alex Guofeng Cao
Marilyn vs JFK & JFK vs Marilyn
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one iconic image to create another in his extraordinary large-scale works. From a distance, the pieces appear to be a singular image but as the viewer approaches closer, you find each work is a masterfully crafted compilation of minute detailed images layered next to one another, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic optical illusion.
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all of his works, from striking black and white pieces to stunning explorations in high-definition color. He cleverly mirrors this visual contrast in his subject matter by subverting the main image and creating a dialogue between the macrocosm and microcosm.
Take the piece, Ali vs Armstrong; here we see the iconic image of Muhammed Ali’s victory composed of thousands of tiny portraits...
Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Ain't Got No, I Got Life NinaSimone vs King
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Are You Lonesome Tonight Lichtenstein vs Warhol
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Stuck on You Lichtenstein vs Warhol
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Je t'aime Gainsbourg Birkin vs Bardot
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Hard Headed Woman Frida vs Salma
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Lonesome Cowboy, After Prince
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Fever Nurse vs CowBoy, After Prince
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Love Me Tender Salma Vs. Frida
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Venus vs David
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one i...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Plexiglass, Charcoal, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Laid Paper
Miles Davis
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one i...
Category
2010s Alex Guofeng Cao Portrait Paintings
Materials
Mirror, Plexiglass, Ink, Acrylic, Archival Paper, Laid Paper
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Marie Therese vs Picasso
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Alex Guofeng Cao portrait paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Alex Guofeng Cao portrait paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of portrait paintings to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of red, yellow and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Alex Guofeng Cao in ink, plastic, plexiglass and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Alex Guofeng Cao portrait paintings, so small editions measuring 42 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Di Li Feng, Craig Alan, and Rafal Chojnowski. Alex Guofeng Cao portrait paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10,000 and tops out at $24,200, while the average work can sell for $10,000.