Hyper-Realistic Paintings Recreations by Joongwon Jeong

Modern Art

He uses acrylic on canvas to represent modern images of some of history’s famous characters.

Jeong receives inspiration from busts, sculptures, and antique paintings to offer them a makeover.

Jeong often references Aristotle when speaking about his work.

It is a paradoxical world for him as he takes ideas that may not always be beautiful, but turns them into something fantastic.

Jeong Can Make New Representations out of Previous Works

One of the most interesting pieces that Jeong created during his artistic career is a new take on Michelangelo’s “The Creation of Adam.”

This piece forms part of the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel.

The painting depicts the story of Genesis found in the Bible.

God gives life to Adam, which allows humanity to begin thriving.

Jeong’s take on God is quite impressive.

The hyper-realism achieved includes strands of curly hair flying away, skin spots on the skin, and age lines around the eyes that you can only get from smiling.

He has also redone self-portraits from Van Gogh, Sigmund Freud, and others.

His Paintings Are Mistaken for Photographs

The details that Jeong puts into each of his paintings cause many people to mistake them as a photograph.

He can literally detail each pore on someone’s skin with his unique brushwork.

Jeong says he prefers to use acrylic because it offers more versatility on the canvas.

He can replicate effects that range from the splash of watercolor to the thicker, oil-like textures of older paintings.

His work is about to come full-circle as well.

Jeong is starting to teach at the university where he once studied.

He’ll show them some, but not all, of the tricks that he’s developed over time to create his hyper-realistic pieces.

Many of his pieces have been part of group or solo exhibitions around Seoul.

Some of his most famous paintings include portraits of Sir Ian McKellen and Robert Downey, Jr.

He has also produced several self-portraits that show off his unique techniques – including times when there are acne blemishes on his skin.

You can connect with him on Facebook or Instagram to follow his public posts.