In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one iconic image to create another in his extraordinary large-scale works. From a distance, the pieces appear to be a singular image but as the viewer approaches closer, you find each work is a masterfully crafted compilation of minute detailed images layered next to one another, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic optical illusion.
Take the piece, Ali vs Armstrong; here we see the iconic image of Muhammed Ali’s victory composed of thousands of tiny portraits of Neil Armstrong. Cao seamlessly ties together two astronomical events from the ‘60s: Ali’s incredible career and the moon landing. Another piece, A Thousand Kisses Deep, Lichtenstein vs Warhol, innovatively recreates a beautiful Lichtenstein work using only images of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe’s Lips. In his skillful combination of these pieces, the artist draws on the similar visual effects of their works and bridges the divide between these two great pop artists.
Alex Guofeng Cao currently lives and works in New York City. He was born and raised in China and moved to the United States in the 1980s. He attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where he studied photography. He has showcased his work throughout the United States and several of his pieces are currently on display in museums such as the Portland Art Museum and the American Museum of Asmat Art.
Alex Guofeng Cao: Pixelation will be on view from March 5 to April 10, 2021 at Fremin Gallery, 520 West 23rd Street, under the High Line, NYC. The artist reception will be held on Thursday, March 4th from 6-8pm. RSVP at info@fremingallery.com
While you’re there, Pascal Goet | Cat Sirot: Pareidolia is on view at Galerie l’Atelier, 520 West 23rd Street from March 4 to April 10,, 2021.
Can’t make it to the gallery? The exhibit is on view on Artsy.