# Contemporary Surrealism Portraits These Photo Collages by Chad Coombs Embraces Image Distortions By Jana Pijak | Published 2013-05-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chad-coombs References: [lanciatrendvisions](http://www.lanciatrendvisions.com/en/article/rewriting-photography-series-polaroids-by-chad-coombs) & [chadcoombs](http://chadcoombs.com) Using Polaroid film as his canvas, photographer Chad Coombs creates a series of artful collage prints that play with perception while referencing [retro surrealism imagery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dali-x-casetify). Featuring "twenty-three micro-layers that unleash 5 thousand chemical reactions", this collection of portraits revives the Art Nouveau aesthetic made popular during the early 1900s. The Canadian photographer collects a variety of [retro portraiture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrova) that he finds on the internet and retouches each of the captures digitally. He then re-captures the images with his [Polaroid camera](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polaroid-trance-camera) and manipulates each exposure with added pen and paintbrush applications. Whether showcasing distorted face depictions of artfully glamorized subjects, this visually vivid portrait series exudes a nostalgic air and successfully merges two opposing aesthetics of retro imagery and modern photo manipulation. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Live Arts](https://www.trendhunter.com/livearts) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Retro Surrealism Imagery:** Explore the use of retro surrealism imagery in contemporary art to create visually striking and thought-provoking pieces. - **Digital Retouching and Manipulation:** Discover the innovative techniques of digitally retouching and manipulating vintage photographs to create unique and captivating visuals. - **Hybrid Art Techniques:** Unleash creativity by combining traditional art forms, like painting and collage, with modern photography and digital manipulation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Photography:** Explore opportunities for photographers to experiment with retro and surrealistic styles, utilizing digital manipulation and hybrid art techniques. - **Visual Arts:** Discover how artists can incorporate retro surrealism imagery and digital manipulation to create captivating and thought-provoking pieces. - **Graphic Design:** Explore the use of retro surrealism imagery and digital manipulation techniques in graphic design to create unique and compelling visuals for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Surreal Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/optical-allusion.md) - [Artistic Photography Instant Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moir-21-instant-film-camera.md) - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [Vintage Photo Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrova.md)