# Celebrity Newspaper Portraits Michael Cross Depicts Well-Known Figures Over Printed Paper By Riley von Niessen | Published 2016-08-10 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michael-cross References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/en/2016/08/07/portraits-of-celebrities-on-newspaper/) & [michaelcross.pixels](http://michaelcross.pixels.com/) Michael Cross is a self-taught artist from Eugene, Oregon, who has a talent for [mixing media](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes) to generate work with multiple levels of meaning. With his series of [celebrity portraiture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/persona-ai), Michael Cross superimposes the faces of people like Ryan Gosling, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lawrence and many more. Other works of his target more serious subjects however, including a portrait of a starving boy that's placed over data that reveals how deep global inequality truly is. Michael Cross' artwork is incredibly detailed, making his [unconventional canvas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti) seem even more integral to the piece as it is made to blend into the faces of his subjects seamlessly. The use of newspaper as a backdrop additionally speaks to how media can often take over one's life if they find themselves too immersed in it, a concept that especially poignant in the case of celebrities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## 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:** Artists can explore mixed media techniques to add multiple layers of meaning and create visually engaging artwork. - **Celebrity Culture Critique:** Artworks that critique and challenge the obsession with celebrity culture can offer a fresh perspective and generate discussions. - **Incorporating Everyday Objects:** Using unconventional canvases like newspapers or other everyday objects can add depth and convey unique messages in art. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Artists can experiment with mixed media techniques to create innovative artwork that resonates with viewers. - **Media and Entertainment:** The critique of celebrity culture depicted in Michael Cross' artwork can inspire media professionals to explore more thought-provoking content. - **Social Activism:** Art that addresses social issues, like global inequality in Michael Cross' artworks, can inspire social activists to use creative approaches to raise awareness. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Immigration System-Inspired Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/passport-series.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md) - [Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-passport-series.md) - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [Vibrantly Colorful Dynamic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayla-rumpp.md) - [Pop Art-Style Blocked Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-in-red.md) - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md)