Paolo Contis, is that you? Sculpture trends online as it resembles the actor
By John Legaspi
The work of art is seen in a video by BTS’ J-Hope
In the past months, Filipino actor Paolo Contis has been present in Twitter’s trending chart for numerous reasons. But this time, the “A Faraway Land” star is going viral thanks to BTS’ J-Hope and a hyperrealism sculpture.
A video released by the K-pop boy band shows J-Hope together with huge sleeping head artwork dubbed “Mask II.” Created by Australian artist Ron Mueck, the sculpture is a self-portrait that “demonstrates the subtle play of realities that characterize much of Mueck’s work.,” per The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston.
— 방탄소년단 (@BTS_twt) November 1, 2021
The hollow mold, hence its name, depicts a sleeping face and makes one “wonder where his dreams take him.” While its monumental scale is jaw-dropping enough, the artwork is also praised for its realistic look and attention to detail, from its wrinkles, hair, and stubble to the subtle sheen from dozing off sweats.
“Life-size figures ... never seemed to be interesting. We meet life-size people every day. Altering the scale makes you take notice in a way that you wouldn't do with something that's just normal,” the artist said.
What do you think? Does it look like Paolo Contis?