# Ambiguous Shadow Portraits Gary Hume Art Show at Matthew Marks Gallery By Christina Butty | Published 2009-06-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambiguous-shadow-portraits-gary-hume-art-show-at-matthew-marks-gallery References: [style](http://www.style.com/vogue/voguedaily/2009/05/art-in-living-color/) & [matthewmarks](http://www.matthewmarks.com/index.php?n=1&a=116&im=1) Gary Hume is a [British painter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pointillism) known for his Necco-hued panels with circles and squares that are reminiscent of the windows and kickplates of hospital doors. He first made a name for himself in the late 80s and early 90s. Currently Gary Hume is showing [two new pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-shape-of-play) that add to his investigation of portals and barn doors at Matthew Marks Gallery. **Implications** - Shadowy figures are both mysterious and intriguing to viewers who are unaware of what goes on behind the scenes. Consumers don't always need straight forward images that reveal everything; sometimes mystique is an attractive feature. This approach can benefit businesses through [viral marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beige-billboards) and print ads which can really draw attention to certain demographics. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 26% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Shadowy Figures:** Businesses can capitalize on the allure of mysterious and intriguing imagery to draw attention and create viral marketing campaigns. - **Mystique Marketing:** Embracing an approach that doesn't reveal everything can attract consumers and create a sense of intrigue around a brand or product. - **Intriguing Visuals:** Using ambiguous and visually captivating images can help businesses stand out and create memorable advertising campaigns. ### Where This Applies - **Art Galleries:** Art galleries can explore the use of shadowy figures and elusive imagery to create engaging exhibitions and attract a wider audience. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Advertising and marketing agencies can leverage the power of mystique and intrigue to create captivating campaigns that leave a lasting impression on consumers. - **Fashion and Luxury Brands:** Fashion and luxury brands can incorporate mysterious and intriguing visuals in their advertising and branding strategies to create a sense of exclusivity and allure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Retro Glass Sculpture Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/larry-bell.md) - [Abstract Geometric Solo Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impermanent-state-of-being.md) - [Otherwordly Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/william-monk.md) - [Dark Abstracted Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-minyades-exhibition.md) - [Artful Meditative Sculptural Caves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawing-on-space.md) - [Ambiance-Forward Exhibitions Settings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brian-eno-and-dan-flavin.md)