Neon and Fire Vanitas, the highly anticipated Magnum Solo Exhibition by Alex Face, opens in Rome on May 20th and on May 25th in London at the two locations of the Dorothy Circus Gallery. Alex Face, a Thai street artist and painter, is known for his distinctive style that blends the vibrant vocabulary of graffiti with virtuosic painting techniques. The new concept developed for this solo exhibition builds upon the success of the iconic Monument of Hope exhibition in 2020. The artist also draws inspiration from the still life paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Face’s intention is to raise awareness among the audience about the environmental crisis.

In Neon and Fire Vanitas, Alex Face projects the concept of Vanitas from the 17th century into the contemporary context, reinterpreting it through his personal perspective, enriched by a refined assimilation of European culture.

The Vanitas, as understood by Face, encompasses and reveals contemporary symbolism related to the transience of life. It is a concept that goes beyond the beauty of the past and confronts us with the stark contrast between the beauty of the present and the fate of the future.

The uniqueness of Alex Face’s technique lies precisely in the fusion of techniques belonging to the past and a well-defined contemporary visual language. The Thai artist combines techniques such as oil painting, acrylic, and spray cans, depicting the frenzy of modern life in its evolution. The result is a subdued atmosphere, thanks to the effect created by the neon tags and spray cans. Face’s flower bouquets can only dazzle the audience, scattering symbols throughout a nature now ablaze.
Discover more of Alex Face’s artworks on his Instagram profile.




Courtesy Alex Face, BANGKOK CITYCITY GALLERY e Dorothy Circus Gallery