XChange by Nick Gentry, a British artist based in London, England, is his latest art exhibit. Showcasing a slew of new work, he continues to explore the potential of obsolete floppy disks as an artistic material for collaged portraits. The artist states, "When you walk into a gallery, there's a very sterile gap between you and the artwork. I want to close that gap—that's my main mission as an artist."
Currently on display at the Robert Fontaine Gallery, XChange by Nick Gentry nevertheless centers around another set of material inspiration: photo negatives and x-ray prints. By layering these transparent sheets on top of each other, he is able to outlines and shadows that end up making up the features of his subjects. He displays them in handmade lightboxes.
What's Driving This Trend
- Obsolete Material Art
- Nick Gentry's use of obsolete floppy disks and photo negatives showcases a trend of using outdated materials in art.
- Transparent Layering
- Gentry's use of transparent sheets to create outlines and shadows in his collaged portraits is a trend in layering techniques in art.
- Interactive Art
- Gentry's goal of closing the gap between the viewer and the artwork points to a trend in interactive art that engages the viewer on a deeper level.
Who This Affects Most
- Art
- Artists can disrupt the traditional art world by using unconventional materials and interactive techniques to engage a new generation of art lovers.
- Photography
- Photographers can disrupt their industry by exploring alternative ways to print and display their work, such as utilizing transparent sheets and handmade lightboxes.
- Recycling
- Companies working in recycling and waste management can disrupt their industry by exploring partnerships with artists and designers to repurpose obsolete materials for unique and sustainable creations.
