LIU Wen. Portrait Wall Sculpture, 2018

Cristian Hunter   Emerging artists

LIU, (Wall Sculpture) by Hunter & Gatti Acrylic tridimensional wall sculpture Sculpted pigment print on Forex acrylic Inspired by the power traditionally attributed to image, Hunter & Gatti wanted their works to perpetuate the wildfire velocity of fashion and the fast cycle of this industry which voraciously consumes any of the images they have created. In response, H&G started re-working celebrity portraits: taking recognizable faces that idealize the work, to give them a new origin, exploring concepts in perception, change and identity, and playing with the tension between the material and the photography. Change is the only way to keep their pictures alive. All is flux, nothing stays still.

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 striking artwork presents a distorted yet captivating portrayal of a human face, skillfully rendered in monochrome. The piece is a sculptural illusion, appearing as though the image has been warped and molded from a soft, pliable material. The surface undulates with strong contours that bend light and shadow, creating a dynamic interplay that defies the flatness typical of traditional portraiture. The facial features are fluid and shifting, inviting the viewer to engage in an exploration of perception and identity. The deft manipulation of texture and form transforms the piece into a compelling commentary on the malleability of appearance. The artwork’s unique, three-dimensional quality serves as a testament to the artist’s innovative approach, blending elements of realism with abstract form.

Preparation time: Three to four weeks