Indonesian artist Syaiful A Rachman has created a portrait series—entitled “Pop Culture As Art”—of famous pop culture icons that are made up of countless little people.
At first glance, the portraits, including ones of Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson and The Beatles, appear merely pixelated—however, upon closer inspection, you would be able to make out that each painting is composed of tiny individuals standing, sitting or walking in large groups.
These incredibly detailed paintings use the faceless crowds as an analogy to reflect how popular culture is founded on and made possible by ordinary people—legends like Andy Warhol and Marilyn Monroe could never have rised to fame without the common man on the street.
“Amidst our glorification and idolatry of the sought-after crowd, it is easy to forget that it is the power of our favor that holds them aloft.”
[via Lost At E Minor]