# Digitally Torn Collages Artist Nicholas Mottola Manipulates Anonymity through Destruction By Meghan Young | Published 2014-06-28 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicholas-mottola References: [trendland](http://trendland.com/digitally-torn-collages/) & [behance.net](https://www.behance.net/gallery/11977181/bd9680) Although the work of Nicholas Mottola looks as though it has been destroyed, the images have been intentionally manipulated to appear that way. Digitally torn to create a [sense of anonymity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragments) as well as a unique layer, the tears add a texture to the artworks that will bring to mind ancient masterpieces and the like. Based in Aversa, Italy, Nicholas Mottola has titled his torn collages '#bd9680.' Paintings are overlaid on top of nude images, portraits are layered on top of landscape images and more throughout the art series. Creative in an [abstract way](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folded-echoes), Nicholas Mottola invites his audience to interpret his works in their own way. By using [vintage images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/back-to-basics-ii), he creates a nostalgic vibe that will connect with people in a variety of ways, which will make narratives even more powerful. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 11% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Digital Collage:** Opportunities for creating new forms of digital art using vintage images and torn collages. - **Anonymity in Art:** Exploration of anonymity in digital art through the use of torn and layered images. - **Nostalgia:** Using vintage images and techniques to create a nostalgic vibe in digital art. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Digital Art:** Innovative use of digital techniques to create new forms of artistic expression and exploration. - **Fashion and Design:** Opportunities for collaboration with fashion and design industries to create unique textiles and materials for garments, accessories and décor. - **Advertising and Marketing:** Innovative use of digitally manipulated imagery for advertising and marketing campaigns that evoke nostalgia or anonymity and create a unique product narrative. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [Sculptural Paper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fragmenti.md) - [Juxtaposing Digital Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riflessi.md) - [Spectral Painting-Inspired Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thomme-collection.md) - [Deconstructed Pop Art NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matt-gondek.md) - [Upcycled Object Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nendo-and-daniel-arsham.md) - [Digital Graffiti NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graffiti-wall-collection.md) - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Explosion-Damaged Sculpture Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-into-darkness.md)