# Subtly Similar Paintings The Michael Bauer HSOP - 1973 Series is Less Chaotic than It Appears By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-05-16 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-bauer-hsop-1973 References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/culture/michael-bauer.php) & [lisa-cooley](http://www.lisa-cooley.com/) The Michael Bauer HSOP - 1973 exhibit, on display at the Lisa Cooley Gallery in New York City, is a collection of abstract portraiture that appears to be haphazard and chaotic while still possessing underlying commonalities throughout the series. The name of the exhibit is vaguely referential of the Hudson River School style of painting in that each of the pieces in the collection has either a shoe, or a shoe-shaped object, present somewhere. Another common thread noticeable throughout the work are the circular etchings found in the corners of each piece. The artist intentionally included these elements to make the paintings appear to look like playing cards in a deck This symbolizes the way that each piece unfolds uniquely but is still representative of a larger, common theme. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Abstract Portraiture with Commonalities:** Exploring the use of abstract portraiture that appears chaotic but still possesses underlying commonalities throughout the series. - **Symbolic Elements in Art:** Examining the intentional inclusion of symbolic elements in artwork, such as shoes or circular etchings, to convey a larger, common theme. - **Referential Art Styles:** Analyzing how artists reference and pay homage to specific art styles, like the Hudson River School, through their own unique interpretations. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art Galleries:** Potential disruptive innovation opportunities include curating exhibits that showcase abstract portraiture with hidden commonalities to engage and challenge viewers. - **Art Education:** Opportunities exist to incorporate the study of symbolic elements in art into educational curriculums, encouraging students to explore deeper meanings in their own artistic creations. - **Art Shows and Exhibits:** Event organizers could explore themes inspired by different art styles and encourage artists to incorporate symbolic elements in their work, fostering new and provocative exhibitions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Abstract Geometric Solo Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/impermanent-state-of-being.md) - [Structured Art Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flowchart.md) - [Pixelated Photographed Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/southern-trees.md) - [Dark Abstracted Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-minyades-exhibition.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md) - [Medicine-Inspired Artful Shows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/something-for-the-pain.md) - [Randomness-Inspired Designer Footwear Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-in-chaos.md) - [Art-Inspired Streetwear Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silent-echoes.md) - [Collaborative Monochromatic Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collaborative-monochromatic-art-exhibition.md)