A I. Portrait intervened by the artists., 2022

Cristian Hunter   Emerging artists

From the series Opposed Tendencies Acrylic and oil wax on fine art paper.

This artwork was created by the artistic duo Hunter & Gatti (2010–2023). These works are part of the archive managed and exhibited by Cristian Hunter. The artist's technique consists of the use of two prints, the first print is the original photography, and the second print is a blurry version of the image printed on glass. The glass version of the picture is shattered with an iron tool to be able to control the rupture. The artists glued the glass parts on top of the original picture, creating a blurred effect. The artists explore even further the infinite possibilities of transformation by turning something as temporary as a fashion editorial, into something completely different and original; a unique piece of art.  

Cristian Hunter’s work starts from that belief. His photographs —created over a solid international career— are not mere documents, but open territories where painting, texture, and gesture expand photography into new dimensions of meaning. Hunter explores how an image can shift in meaning over time—how context, memory, and manual intervention can transform what was once captured into something newly revealed. Each piece is an invitation to look again, to uncover what lies beneath the visible. Guided by the premise that “nothing stays still,” he works from his personal archive, reinterpreting it, giving new life to what was once lived, and breaking the linear flow between past and present. His lens has captured renowned figures such as Pharrell Williams, Penélope Cruz, Jennifer Lopez, Ewan McGregor, Lalisa Manoban, Adria Arjona, and Bruno Mars, among many others. Yet his focus goes beyond portraiture—what truly interests him is what remains when the image stops being literal and begins to emerge as a living object. His current body of work includes both new pieces and selected artworks from the artistic legacy of Hunter & Gatti, which he now manages. These are duly credited as “ created by Hunter & Gatti,” presented alongside his personal practice and establishing a dialogue between history, transformation, and contemporary gaze. His work has been exhibited in cities such as Barcelona, New York, and Miami, and reflects a visual practice grounded in experience, exploration, and ongoing evolution. 

This artwork presents a hauntingly introspective portrait, capturing the ethereal quality of a face in sepia tones. The composition accentuates the contours and shadows, adding depth and a sense of mystery. Black lines, seemingly hand-drawn, traverse the image with intentional disruption, creating a striking contrast against the soft background. These lines resemble a network of abstract scars, evoking themes of vulnerability and introspection. The subtle use of red threads interspersed among the black lines adds an element of tension, hinting at hidden emotions. The artwork’s meticulously layered textures invite the viewer to contemplate the interplay between visible and invisible scars. This piece uniquely combines photography with tactile artistic expressions, making it a compelling study of human experience and emotion. Its innovative blending of mediums challenges traditional boundaries, inviting introspection and engagement.