Italian artist Carlo Fantin (featured here) uses the Catholic imagery from his devout upbringing as a metaphor for contemporary rituals. In particular, his hand-cut paper works address our unrelenting use of social media, where he likens bloggers and the media to shepherds whom we follow like a flock of sheep. His current exhibition, “U Have 2 Name Him Jesus #Annunciation” at Mercury 20 in Oakland, CA continues this play on religious iconography. Using only a craft knife, Fantin meticulously cuts tiny pieces of acid free construction paper to create abstract portraits of these “modern day saints.” The lace-like designs reference stained glass windows he remembers from his church-going days, specifically The Basilica di San Marco in Venice, Italy. Fantin shares, “At a very close look the piece seems to be abstract, when you step back the image comes to life. In the same way people experience others differently at different distances; viewers can perceive the subjects in my art through their own experiences, and wonder and speculate about the meaning behind the piece.” Take a look at some of the works in his exhibition below, courtesy of the artist.
“U Have 2 Name Him Jesus #Annunciation” by Carlo Fantin is now on view at Mercury 20 through June 20th.
New York based painter and illustrator
Armed with just paper and scissors, collagist Lola Dupre continues to remix photographs into surreal portraits—with some of the most absorbing results in reimagining household pets. Elsewhere, editorial and advertising projects shows the broad application of Dupre’s distinct sensibilities. She was last featured in Hi-Fructose's print magazine with 
The paintings of Japanese artist