Portraits of Paradox

Artplex Gallery is excited to present Portraits of Paradox, an exhibition featuring the masterful works of internationally acclaimed artists Carlos Gamez de Francisco and Iqi Qoror. This exhibition invites viewers into a world where tradition meets surrealism, and portraiture becomes a platform for critical reflection on themes of identity, beauty, and cultural power. By pairing the surreal, aristocratic opulence of Carlos Gamez de Francisco with the divine, introspective portraiture of Iqi Qoror, this exhibition establishes a dynamic dialogue on how human identity is shaped by time, culture, and social norms.

Carlos Gamez de Francisco is a Cuban-born artist whose work reimagines classical portraiture through a surrealist lens. His meticulously crafted figures, often adorned with elaborate costumes and symbolic objects, evoke the grandeur of European aristocracy while incorporating elements of fantasy and playfulness. Through his compositions, Gamez de Francisco challenges perceptions of beauty, power, and self-image, offering a window into a world where reality and imagination coexist. His works have been exhibited internationally and are included in prominent private and public collections.

In Portraits of Paradox, Gamez de Francisco’s work reflects the intersections of historical power and contemporary fantasy. His portraits of patrician figures challenge the concepts of control, authority, and opulence, inviting viewers to reconsider the nature of social status and beauty. Through precise detailing, allusive imagery, and a surrealist twist on classical portraiture, he bridges the past and present. By imbuing his figures with an aura of nobility while subtly distorting their features, he questions the authenticity of perfection and the performative nature of power.

Iqi Qoror is an Indonesian artist known for his vibrant multimedia surrealism that blends painting, embroidery, and mixed-media techniques. With a master’s degree in Fine Art, Qoror’s work explores themes of trust, social experience, and self-reflection. His tactile, experimental compositions combine portraiture, pop-textiles, and whimsical imagery to provoke curiosity and introspection. Qoror’s rising international presence includes exhibitions in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Los Angeles, earning him a growing collector base worldwide.

In Portraits of Paradox, Qoror’s work plays a pivotal role in reimagining the human form. His figures are more than representations — they are questions about the complexities of human existence. By presenting figures that seem to shift between the familiar and the surreal, he challenges viewers to confront the layered, often contradictory nature of their own self-perception. His unique combination of fine art techniques and experimental materials creates a sense of fluidity between tradition and modernity, challenging viewers to confront issues of identity, trust, and the "madness" of the contemporary world.

While Carlos Gamez de Francisco and Iqi Qoror employ distinct visual languages, their works share a conceptual exploration of identity’s fluid nature. Their distinct artistic intentions align to challenge viewers to reconsider how identity is framed — whether through the grandeur of historical authority or the uncertainty of modern existence. By blending past and present, fantasy and reality, both artists create a dialogue that deconstructs beauty, power, and the complexity of selfhood. This interplay encourages viewers to question how identity is performed, inherited, and reimagined in contemporary life.