Creating compositions with fictional characters offers a window into the minds of the artist whilst also forming a relationship with the viewer. A relatively new art movement, it focuses the viewer to invest in what is happening within the image. But why become invested? The subject is typically familiar. Ranging from comic book heroes, to classic toys and stills from cartoon movies, artists like K-Arty create a crossroad of two worlds: art and imagination. The artist notes that he likes to surprise himself and he skillfully stages fictional characters like Jessica Rabbit in abandoned places, mixing humor and derision. The likes of Catherine Théry takes the well-known Barbie doll and places her within the canon of art history. Photographed and then treated with digital techniques, Catherine Théry has made out of the Barbie doll a strong, intelligent woman, who sometimes borrows the masculine codes, but it asserts her femininity, in total freedom. In contrast, Clotilde MJ does not affect the images but photographs her fictional compositions as live action but a common thread runs through the movement as you meander through our selection of works – that the familiar (or in some cases not) is molded to the artists will revealing their world and expanding yours…
