alexei sovertkov morphs portraits into a surreal species of human caricatures

alexei sovertkov morphs portraits into a surreal species of human caricatures
all images courtesy of alexei sovertkov

as an exploration of the synergy between analogue and digital media, moscow-based photographer and visual artist alexei sovertkov has realized a series of surreal portraits that blends the physical and virtual worlds. ‘portraituning’ sees five photos of human figures morphed into cartoon-like caricatures, with unnaturally widened eyes and abnormally enlarged skulls. while these modifications warp the viewer’s sense of scale and perspective, the models retain most of their figurative characteristics, rendering them on the edge between alien and human. adding to the intrigue, props and ‘pets’ appear as unusual additions to the scene, like a hybrid dinosaur-cat and a grotesque hairless beaver. with titles like ‘grandma with diplodocus’ and ‘girl with a water jug’, the compositions are clearly inspired by classical portraiture, yet maintain a decidedly disturbing and eerie edge. 

‘grandma with diplodocus’

‘girl with a water jug’

‘grandma in a wheelchair’

‘lady with a dog’