Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Chinese, b. 1969
Alex Guofeng Cao discovered his passion, photography, in New York. Inspired by such masters as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Edward Weston and Robert Mapplethorpe, Cao studied and experimented with all methods and techniques of photography. While adept with color, Cao’s preferred medium is the black and white image. HIs deep fascination with the subtle gradations of tone between the deep black and the stark white are the genesis for all the colors he needs to create his world.
Cao’s most recent body of work is a series of images of popular culture icons. At a glance almost anyone can identify some, if not all, of his subjects. But upon closer inspection, one can see that the images are composed of a constellation of tiny repetitive images each slightly differing from its neighbors. The arrays of miniscule visages that compose and conspire to form the larger portraits are iconic images themselves. The plot thickens as one realizes that there is a dialogue between the chosen characters that inhabit each other.
The method of creation for Cao is that of composing a mosaic of memories into an impression of the present. Impressed and greatly influenced by the ideal forms and proportions of the iconic and statuesque sculptures of the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman eras, Cao’s works can be said to have their roots in Western antiquity. Another source of inspiration are impressions from his trip a decade ago to see the mosaic floors and walls of Naples and Pompeii. It’s the combination of these two base strategies that allows Cao’s works to take shape.
The images are imposing and arresting. With their immense dimensions, their presence can be felt from quite a distance away. The powerful oversized main images and the armies of tiny images that compose them are specifically paired to create a dialogue. The histories and backgrounds of each of the characters are pitted against each other. The image of Marilyn Monroe is populated by countless diminutive images of the Mona Lisa. These two women are, arguably, the most famous women in the world. They share an unusual bond in that they are both, in some ways, fictional characters. The pairing also suggests another connection in that they are both fantasies. One is the fantasy of the 20th century and the other is the singular fantasy of Leonardo DaVinci.
As one looks closer at the images and scrutinizes all the intricate details, one may begin to realize that hidden within the sea of tiny repetitive images are carefully chosen codes and clues that the artist inserted in strategic locations as a reminder of the events and situations in which these characters were involved in history.
In the end, the process of encoding and layering of information of the times is ultimately the goal. As time passes, information gets deposited into the works. These images undergo evolution and change and bear the marks of a collection of history, as well as the artist’s intent.to
4
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
4
4
2
2
4
4
4
4
4
34
664
613
464
342
4
Artist: Alex Guofeng Cao
Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear Lichtenstein vs Indiana
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request
Life + Death = Kiss, After Klimt
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Stainless Steel
Price Upon Request
Munch Scream vs Monalisa Smile
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one iconic image to create another in his extraordinary large-scale works. From a distance, the pieces appear to be a singular image but as the viewer approaches closer, you find each work is a masterfully crafted compilation of minute detailed images layered next to one another, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic optical illusion.
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all of his works, from striking black and white pieces to stunning explorations in high-definition color. He cleverly mirrors this visual contrast in his subject matter by subverting the main image and creating a dialogue between the macrocosm and microcosm.
Take the piece, Ali vs Armstrong; here we see the iconic image of Muhammed Ali’s victory composed of thousands of tiny portraits...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Plexiglass, Ink, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Kiss You in Vienna, After Klimt
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one i...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Mirror, Plexiglass, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Oil, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Related Items
The Best is Yet to Come For You - Abstract Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Artwork
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Latex, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Dialogue with Nature #28 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, red tones
Located in Paris, FR
This work is full of gentleness and inspired by the observation of nature. It is a celebration of love, tenderness and passion between two beings. It could therefore be the ideal rom...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wood, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$3,444
H 23.63 in W 23.82 in
What You All Want ??? - Contemporary Figurative Painting, Polish Young Art
Located in Salzburg, AT
Kasia Mazur is a very young artist, she is still studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, where she also lives. She has already had exhibit...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Tempera
$926
H 39.38 in W 28.75 in D 0.79 in
Today is the Day to Say I Love You - Abstract Mixed Media Graffiti Inspired Art
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Latex, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Watching The World Carry On - Abstract Brown Tone Figurative Mixed Media Art
By Amber Goldhammer
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles artist Amber Goldhammer paints dramatic abstract compositions in acrylic on canvas featuring energetic brushstrokes. Goldhammer uses her contemporary paintings to express...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Latex, Ink, Mixed Media, Spray Paint, Acrylic
Newborn sound #97 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, flower, canvas and wood
Located in Paris, FR
Newborn sound #97 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on cotton canvas and carved wood, dimensions are...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wood, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$5,107
H 30.71 in W 49.81 in D 0.99 in
Flowing Sound #10 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, blue flowers, wood, canvas
Located in Paris, FR
Flowing Sound #10 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on cotton canvas and carved wood, dimensions are...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wood, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$4,810
H 19.69 in W 56.7 in
Newborn sound #94 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, flower, canvas and wood
Located in Paris, FR
Newborn sound #94 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on cotton canvas and carved wood, dimensions are...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wood, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$3,278
H 27.56 in W 16.93 in
Dialogue with Nature #20 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, flowers, red, canvas
Located in Paris, FR
Dialogue with Nature #20 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on canvas, dimensions are 25 × 25 cm (9.8...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$2,280
H 9.85 in W 9.85 in
Dialogue with Nature #89 by Maho Maeda -Abstract painting, flowers, yellow, wood
Located in Paris, FR
Dialogue with Nature #89 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil and ink on cotton canvas and carved wood, dimensi...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Wood, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$4,418
H 26.78 in W 41.93 in D 0.79 in
Remembrance #18 by Maho Maeda - Abstract painting, flowers, textile and cotton
Located in Paris, FR
Remembrance #18 is a unique painting by contemporary artist Maho Maeda. This painting is made with acrylic, coloured pencil, ink and antique textile on cotton canvas, dimensions are ...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Textile, Cotton Canvas, Ink, Acrylic, Pencil
$4,655
H 19.69 in W 52.17 in
No ZAZA ZONE - Contemporary Figurative Oil Painting, Polish Young Art
Located in Salzburg, AT
Kasia Mazur is a very young artist, she is still studying painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, where she also lives. She has already had exhibitions and I noticed her tale...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Cotton Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$1,068
H 31.5 in W 39.38 in D 0.79 in
Previously Available Items
Marie Therese vs Picasso
By Alex Guofeng Cao
Located in New York, NY
In a captivating new collection, Alex Guofeng Cao dazzles audiences with his unique twist on instantly recognizable images. Inspired by history and pop culture, Cao manipulates one iconic image to create another in his extraordinary large-scale works. From a distance, the pieces appear to be a singular image but as the viewer approaches closer, you find each work is a masterfully crafted compilation of minute detailed images layered next to one another, creating a mesmerizing and hypnotic optical illusion.
Cao meticulously places each smaller image to form a dynamic gradient from dark to light which tricks the eye into seeing one image. This expertise in contrast is exemplified in all of his works, from striking black and white pieces to stunning explorations in high-definition color. He cleverly mirrors this visual contrast in his subject matter by subverting the main image and creating a dialogue between the macrocosm and microcosm.
Take the piece, Ali vs Armstrong; here we see the iconic image of Muhammed Ali’s victory composed of thousands of tiny portraits...
Category
2010s Contemporary Alex Guofeng Cao Abstract Paintings
Materials
Mirror, Plexiglass, Ink, Archival Ink, Oil, Acrylic, Archival Paper
Alex Guofeng Cao abstract paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Alex Guofeng Cao abstract paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Alex Guofeng Cao in canvas, fabric, ink and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the contemporary style. Not every interior allows for large Alex Guofeng Cao abstract paintings, so small editions measuring 39 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of TA RUI, Ferija Tugrann, and Rafal Chojnowski. Alex Guofeng Cao abstract paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $10,000 and tops out at $24,200, while the average work can sell for $12,750.