# Intriguing Identification Animations Recognition by Manuel Fernandez Explores Smartphone Tech By Alexandra Serrano | Published 2013-01-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recognition-by-manuel-fernandez References: [manuelfernandez.name](http://www.manuelfernandez.name/Recognition) & [manuelfernandez.name](http://www.manuelfernandez.name) This GIF series titled 'Recognition' by Manuel Fernandez draws attention to the implications of mobile social networking and egotism. The Madrid-based Spanish artist creates pieces that explore the intersection and relationship of modern day art, popular culture and Internet. His work uses various mediums such as painting, installation and animated GIFS. In the 'Recognition' series, the takes the concept of [facial recognition technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-surveillance) to create thought-provoking imagery. Each image emulates the software process trying to capture a face, yet it focuses on everyday objects. This change of subject deviates attention from the self, and is meant to be a statement on "visual narcissism" enabled by mobile social networks such as [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world). 'Recognition' by Manuel Fernandez is remarkable in its utilization of medium. It leaves me thinking back to Metamorphoses, with facial recognition being the modern equivalent of Narcissus's pool. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mobile Social Networking:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating new platforms that prioritize genuine connections and meaningful interactions over visual narcissism. - **Facial Recognition Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing more accurate and efficient facial recognition systems for various applications. - **Art and Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in combining art and technology to create thought-provoking and impactful visual experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Social Media:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in redesigning social media platforms to prioritize authenticity and reduce the emphasis on self-image. - **Security and Surveillance:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in enhancing facial recognition technology for security and surveillance purposes, improving accuracy and speed. - **Digital Art:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in exploring the intersection of art and technology, creating new forms of visual expression and engaging experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Poetic Photo Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emilio-alarcn.md) - [Robotic Digital Surveillance Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/accept-all.md) - [Digital Archetype Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-rex-van-minnen-1.md) - [AI-Generated Selfies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dreambooth.md) - [Emotive Inflatable Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lian-mask.md) - [Artistic UV-Reactive Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/polychromatic-mobile-phone.md) - [AI-Generated Real-World Transformations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-generated-world.md) - [AI-Generated Retrofuturistic Objects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrofuturistic-objects.md) - [Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dal-collection.md)