# Neon-Lit Portraits Javier Martin Explores Standards of Beauty in His 'Blindness Light' Series By Mishal Omar | Published 2016-07-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neonlit References: [yatzer](https://www.yatzer.com/javier-martin-blindness-light) & [javiermartinart](http://www.javiermartinart.com/) Artist Javier Martin paints realistic, neon-lit portraits that both showcase and critique contemporary standards of beauty. The 'Blindness Light' series was created by blowing up black and white photos which were then painted over with oil or acrylic paint. This was done to [remove any traces of a background](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/profiles-in-color) and create [textural imperfections on the portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits). When the portraits are hung up, there are [neon lights installed over the eyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-and-unity) of each one. Without the ability to see the humanity in the individual through their eyes, the viewer is forced to do so in other ways while questioning the superficial beauty of the neon-lit artwork. These portraits aim to redefine how beauty is perceived and at the very least make the viewer think about their own perceptions. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Realistic Portraits:** Opportunity for artists to explore and challenge contemporary standards of beauty through realistic, neon-lit portraits. - **Blurring Backgrounds:** Opportunity to create textural imperfections and remove distractions by blowing up black and white photos and painting over them. - **Neon Light Installations:** Opportunity to enhance artwork and provoke deeper thought by using neon lights to cover the eyes of portraits. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Design:** Artists can disrupt standards of beauty through innovative techniques and thought-provoking installations. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Brands can utilize realistic portraits and neon lights to challenge conventional beauty standards in their campaigns. - **Interior Design:** Designers can incorporate neon-lit artwork to create impactful and visually stunning spaces that question traditional notions of beauty. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Artful Custom Mirror Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portraits-collection.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Vibrant Design Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-primitivism.md) - [Y2K-Inspired Neon Light Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-light-art.md) - [Material-Exploring Industrial-Style Lighting](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrialstyle-lighting.md) - [Lightning-Inspired Artful Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bright-light-shining.md) - [Wonderous Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Juxtaposing Digital Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riflessi.md) - [Glass Beaded Intricate Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition.md)