# Retouched Colonial Paintings Artist Joan Ross Adds Neon and Graffiti to Existing Artworks By Meghan Young | Published 2013-11-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joan-ross References: [beautifuldecay](http://beautifuldecay.com/2013/11/13/joan-ross-forges-new-paintings-century-old-works/) & [bettgallery.au](http://www.bettgallery.com.au/artists/ross/index.html) The work of Joan Ross is piggybacked on the work of others, which is something she has been fascinated with since she was a child. She essentially retouches [colonial paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snowflake-exhibition) with modern streak of [neon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-and-unity) and even the occasional [act of graffiti](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmatic-graffiti) in a way to express such themes as imperialism, consumerism, throwaway culture, global warming, tagging, naming, claiming and more. Predominantly using the paintings of Joseph Lycett, who was outed as an impostor who forged his work, Joan Ross writes, "In a sense I am continuing his tradition of taking something and forging something new out of it." Joan Ross transforms his calm and subdued landscapes into loud scenes. She states, "The mentality behind colonialism can manifest itself in many ways and the ongoing creep, nay, invasion of high vis yellow and fluoro orange are a modern-day example." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.4/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 2% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retouched Colonial Paintings:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the intersection between traditional and contemporary art forms by incorporating modern elements into historical artworks. - **Neon and Graffiti Art:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Pushing the boundaries of traditional art by infusing graffiti and neon elements into classic paintings, creating a juxtaposition of old and new aesthetics. - **Challenging Colonial Narratives:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Recontextualizing colonial artworks to express themes of imperialism, consumerism, and environmental issues, sparking critical conversations and reevaluations of historical narratives. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new artistic techniques and expressions that challenge conventional notions and expand the boundaries of artistic creation. - **Art Restoration:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing innovative methods of art restoration and conservation that incorporate contemporary elements, preserving historical artworks while revitalizing them for a modern audience. - **Social Commentary and Activism:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing art as a powerful platform for social critique and activism, using historical artworks as a canvas to address contemporary issues and challenge existing power structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Vibrant Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-primitivism.md) - [Leftover Househouse Paint Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paint-drop.md) - [Human Duality-Themed Abstract Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passive-aggression.md) - [Glamorous Artful Bronze Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-jane.md) - [Apocalypse Post Pandemic Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/contemporary-urban-art.md) - [Textile Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olga-de-amaral.md) - [Modern Playground-Inspired Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coarse-collection.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md)