# Empty Classical Paintings Jose Manuel Ballester Removes Human Faces and Figures in 'Hidden Spaces' By Meghan Young | Published 2014-12-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-spaces References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/370994/What-Famous-Paintings-Look-Like-When-The-People-In-Them-Are-Removed/) & [josemanuelballester](http://www.josemanuelballester.com/) The Hidden Spaces art series revisits [traditional paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition) and reinterprets them in a very interesting way. While the artworks were meant to be appreciated as a whole, one artist decided to explore what it would be like to hone in on the space that they take place in. The Hidden Spaces art series is removed of the human faces and figures that are famously found in pieces such as Diego Velázquez's Christ Crucified, Sandro Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and even Pablo Picasso's Guernica. Envisioned by [Spanish artist](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-batll-contemporary) José Manuel Ballester, the Hidden Spaces art series essentially gives viewers a [new perspective about these masterpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-of-a-masterpiece). What makes the Hidden Spaces series particularly interesting is that they are almost as beautiful without the human aspect as they are with them. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Explore of Hidden Spaces:** Reinterpreting traditional paintings by removing human faces and figures to focus on the space they occupy and exploring what else is possible with the artwork. - **Revisiting Classic Masterpieces:** Taking a fresh look at traditional paintings and offering new perspectives on well-known works. - **Human-free Artworks:** Creating art that does not rely on the presence of figures or faces to convey emotion or meaning. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Culture:** Opportunities to explore new interpretations of traditional works of art and expand the boundaries of what art can be. - **Interior Design:** Creating designs that draw inspiration from traditional artworks and exploring the possibilities of how they can be incorporated into interior spaces without relying on the human element. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Utilizing unique perspectives on classic masterpieces in advertising campaigns or branding, offering a fresh take on traditional images that stand out in a crowded market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-of-a-woman-in-a-hat.md) - [Oil Painting-Inspired Rugs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antonio-santn.md) - [Traveling Fine Art Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/get-out-there.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Boundless Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frameless-experience.md) - [Monochrome Sculpture Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ralph-pucci-pure-exhibition.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md)