Classical Paintings Seamlessly Interact With Modern-Day Italy

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Ukrainian artist Alexey Kondakov continues to superimpose characters from classical paintings onto photographic scenes of modern life. In the past, Kondakov's captivating collages have been set in Kiev. However, for his latest series, the Napoli Project, Kondakov has employed Italy, the home of the High Renaissance, as his canvas.

Like Kondakov's past work, the Napoli Project seamlessly combines painted figures with contemporary surroundings to create eye-catching juxtapositions. With an eye for composition and a masterly knowledge of photo manipulation, Kondakov is able to produce well-balanced and well-blended images that warrant a second glance. Though the antiquated figures are rendered in oil paint, they do not obviously stand out against the real-life backdrops. Likewise, the present-day urban settings offer an unexpectedly fitting foundation for each painted person. Beautiful Bouguereau and Waterhouse muses and a formal Hans Holbein portrait are just a few of the classical characters that Kondakov re-contextualizes in his stunning series.

Kondakov has recently wrapped up an exhibition of this series in Naples. But, you can keep track of his future shows and see more of his superimposed creations on Instagram.

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov Napoli Project contemporary photography classical painting

Alexey Kondakov: FacebookInstagram
h/t: [This Isn't Happiness]

All images via Alexey Kondakov.

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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