There is a level of anonymity to the portrait series titled Strokes by May Xiong, a photographer based in Seattle, Washington, that is due in large part to the single paint brush stroke subtly obscuring the subjects' faces. Yet that does not take away from the quirkiness of the rest of the images. Whether covered in fishes, orange peels or powder, there is something strange going on in each still that will have people raising their eyebrows.
Audiences may compare the props found in Strokes by May Xiong as references to the subjects' personalities or perhaps a clue into the narrative behind the images, yet the series can easily be enjoyed as art alone. Whatever the case, it is arresting.
Simply Painted Photographs
Strokes by May Xiong Features Quirky Mixed Media Portraits
Trend Themes
1. Mixed Media Portraits - Exploring the combination of photography and painting to create unique and intriguing portraits.
2. Anonymity in Art - Using subtle techniques like obscuring subjects' faces to add an element of mystery and intrigue to art.
3. Quirky Visual Narratives - Creating images that tell unusual stories or provoke curiosity through the use of props and unconventional elements.
Industry Implications
1. Photography - Exploring new ways to merge photography and other art forms to push the boundaries of traditional portraiture.
2. Fine Arts - Embracing unconventional techniques and storytelling elements to create captivating and thought-provoking art pieces.
3. Creative Advertising - Leveraging quirky and unconventional visual narratives to capture audience attention and create memorable advertising campaigns.