# Mixed Media Pin-Up Portraits James Gortner's Vibrant Mixed Media Masterpieces Shine By | Published 2013-05-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/james-gortner References: [lyonswiergallery](http://www.lyonswiergallery.com/gortner.html) & [jamesgortner](http://jamesgortner.com/home.html) In his new collection entitled 'Carolina,' James Gortner does not merely create a [series of paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitededition-print-series): he combines different media along with a 50s-era influence to tell a story. The series focuses on a woman named Carolina, with each piece showing a different aspect of her personality. Within the series, there's 'Carolina, The Empress,' 'Carolina, The Hanged Man,' and 'Carolina, The Eye Collector.' These titles are rather dark, but are offset by the [vibrancy and chaos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama) of the the pieces' backgrounds. Instead of using one medium to produce the 'Carolina' series, James Gortner chose to use [mixed media](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes), including objects attached to the painting for a 3-D effect and patterned wallpapers to add to the pieces' already colorful backgrounds. With this collection of work, James Gartner has created the image of a powerful woman who can be placed in the middle of a chaotic background and still burst powerfully from the work. Personally, I wouldn't want to mess with Carolina. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 - **Mixed Media Art:** Exploring the combination of different artistic mediums to create visually dynamic and immersive pieces. - **Narrative Portraiture:** Using art to tell a story and convey the personality and characteristics of the subject. - **3-dimensional Art:** Incorporating objects and elements that extend beyond the traditional canvas to create a multi-dimensional viewing experience. ### Where This Applies - **Art Galleries:** Opportunity to showcase and sell mixed media artworks that offer a unique and visually captivating experience for art enthusiasts. - **Interior Design:** Integration of mixed media artworks into interior spaces to add depth, personality, and conversation-starting pieces. - **Fashion and Textiles:** Collaborating with mixed media artists to create bold and vibrant patterns for fabrics, clothing, and accessories. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Digital City-Inspired Art Works](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-central-station.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Vibrant Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-primitivism.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Intricate Fiber Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/threadwork-women-redefining-fiber-arts.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/briony-douglas-1.md) - [Whimsically Vibrant Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorama.md)