Alexa Mead: The Artist Who Paints People and Objects to Look Like 2D Paintings
Summary
In this article, we will explore the unique artwork of Alexa Mead, who uses a technique of painting on people and objects to create the illusion of a 2D painting in photographs. Mead’s work has been exhibited worldwide, and she is currently collaborating with Google to create an immersive augmented reality experience.
Table of Contents
- Reverse Trompe-l’oeil: Alexa Mead’s Style
- The Technique Behind Mead’s Artwork
- Collaborating with Models to Capture Dynamic Expressions
- From Rooms to Augmented Reality: Mead’s Future Projects
- Conclusion
Reverse Trompe-l’oeil: Alexa Mead’s Style
Alexa Mead is an artist who has developed a unique style of painting that she calls reverse trompe-l’oeil. Her technique involves painting on people and objects to make them appear as flattened paintings in photographs. Mead’s work has been exhibited worldwide, and she has worked on advertising campaigns for various brands. She is best known for her dimension-collapsing style of painting figures and scenes.
The Technique Behind Mead’s Artwork
Mead follows the contours of the object while painting and exaggerates the highlights and shadows to create a painted brushstroke representation of the shadow. She uses various techniques depending on the aesthetic she is going for, and the illusion is most effective when she is painting things that have extreme depth. Mead’s work resonates most with viewers when there is a painted figure in the scene, as it is a collaboration between both parties to create a unique look.
Collaborating with Models to Capture Dynamic Expressions
The speaker in the video is also a painter who uses a similar technique of painting shadows on people to create 3D illusions that appear 2D in photographs. They collaborate with their models to capture their dynamic expressions and personalities. They had to teach themselves the necessary skills to develop their technique and faced skepticism from their professor who suggested using Photoshop instead. However, the speaker believes that their technique is about capturing light and shadow and creating a unique experience within the space.
From Rooms to Augmented Reality: Mead’s Future Projects
Alexa Mead is currently working with Google to capture her artwork using light field technology, which can later be turned into an immersive augmented reality experience. She is collaborating with scientists, engineers, and mathematicians to create artwork together in the future. Mead is interested in playing with perception and creating something that looks one way but is something completely different.
Conclusion
Alexa Mead’s unique style of painting on people and objects to create the illusion of a 2D painting in photographs has gained worldwide recognition. Her collaboration with Google to create an immersive augmented reality experience is a testament to her innovation and creativity. Mead’s work is a reminder that art can be found in unexpected places and can take on many different forms.
