# Conceptual Abstract Portrait Photography Álvaro Peñalta & Josep Prat Sorolla Explore Human Psyches By Kalin Ned | Published 2019-02-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abstract-portrait-photography References: [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/74918591/I-See-Faces) & [alvaropenalta](http://alvaropenalta.com/) The connotative meaning behind Álvaro Peñalta and Josep Prat Sorolla's abstract portrait photography is quite interesting. The concept builds on a psychological phenomenon known as pareidolia. This is an instance when meaning is superimposed on an image that has "a random or ambiguous visual pattern." Álvaro Peñalta and Josep Prat Sorolla took inspiration from chromatic 80s illustrations, as well as classical sculptures from Greece and Rome. While the models in the abstract portrait photography are meant to boast a stoic, frozen presence that references the later movement of classical art, the [colorful geometric figures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talk-talk) in front of their faces are meant to offer a strong contrast. In a sense, Álvaro Peñalta and Josep Prat Sorolla subtly reverse the pareidolia phenomenon with their abstract portrait photography. Photo Credits: Hellobienstudio ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.9/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Abstract Portrait Photography:** Opportunity to explore new ways of capturing and conveying human psyches through abstract portraits. - **Chromatic 80s Illustrations:** Potential for integrating nostalgic 80s aesthetics into artistic and commercial visual designs. - **Reverse Pareidolia Phenomenon:** Chance to challenge viewers' perception by intentionally subverting their tendency to find meaning in ambiguous visual patterns. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Art & Photography:** Disruptive innovation opportunities to push the boundaries of traditional portrait photography and art expression. - **Graphic Design & Advertising:** Potential to incorporate chromatic 80s illustrations to create visually striking and nostalgic branding campaigns. - **Psychology & Human Behavior:** Opportunity to study and understand how abstract portrait photography can influence perception and evoke emotional responses. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Color Photography Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color.md) - [AI-Generated Self-Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/persona-ai.md) - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [AI-Powered Portrait Studio Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraius.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md)