# Experimental Face Paint Portraits The Experiments Series Explores the Concept of Identity By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-02-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experiments-series References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/en/2016/02/18/experimental-abstract-portraits/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [andylopo](http://www.andylopo.com/portrait/) Photographer Andy Lo Po and English art director Gem Fletcher recently released the Experiments series, which explores the concept of identity. For many photographers, makeup is a useful way to transform models into different characters. This series goes beyond makeup in order to convey the idea of a second skin in a striking new way, The Experiments series explores the concept of identity through the use of [abstract masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hughmanity). In each image, the model is covered with a different artifice that conveys the idea of a second skin. Instead of only relying on makeup, Po and Fletcher also used unexpected materials such as [paint and collage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miley-cyrus-maison-margiela). The result is a series of stunning portraits that convey the abstract notion of [performing a different identity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dirty-looks). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 69% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Identity-exploring Photography:** Photographers can experiment using abstract masks and unexpected materials to convey alternative identities in their portraits. - **Second Skin Imagery:** Artists can explore the idea of using artifice to create a second layer on models using a range of materials beyond just makeup. - **Abstract Portraiture:** Artistic photographers can create unique and abstract images by going beyond traditional mediums in their portraiture. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Photographers can create unique and compelling portraits by exploring alternative ways of depicting identity through their work. - **Art Direction:** Art directors can inspire photographers to think outside the box when working with models to explore alternative ways of depicting identity. - **Makeup and Cosmetics:** Makeup artists and cosmetics companies can experiment with using painted masks and unconventional materials beyond traditional makeup to create unique looks. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Emotive Inflatable Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lian-mask.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Runway-Inspired Peel-Off Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-001-artistry-mask.md) - [Surrealist Beauty Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toiletpaper-magazine.md) - [AI-Generated Self-Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/persona-ai.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Imaginative Photo-Editing AI Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youniverse.md)