Paris. Photograph intervened by the artists., 2017

Cristian Hunter   Emerging artists

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 piece is part of the H&G series entitled “Nothing Stays Still", where they continue to question the fashion photography industry by creating a new visual identity for their images that distances them from their origin, as a vehicle to test ideas and as a form of interrogation of the creative process itself, through this series.

This artwork captivatingly blends portraiture with abstract expressionism, featuring a monochromatic photograph partially obscured by dynamic, swirling brushstrokes of vivid blue, teal, and purple. The bold colors sweep across the canvas, imbuing the piece with energy and movement. Elements of the human face, such as eyes and lips, subtly emerge from beneath the paint, creating an intriguing interplay between clarity and obscurity. The use of texture is prominent, with thick layers of paint adding depth and a tactile quality. This fusion of photography and painting challenges the viewer's perception, inviting them to explore the layers both visually and metaphorically. The artist's technique highlights the tension between chaos and order, making this work a striking commentary on identity and the fluid nature of self-expression. The juxtaposition of smooth photographic elements with textured paint underscores a sense of transformation and revelation.