Derek Gores creates his lush portraits in collage out of recycled magazines, maps, advertisements and any other paper goods he can get his hands on. Considered part of the New Contemporary Movement, his work has a post-warhol sensibility that in a new context, even the disposable magazine can contribute to a lasting moment. His works are one thing from afar, but as the viewer gets closer the image melts into a utopia of poetic moments - often the opposite of what we thought we understood from across the room.
"I like my images to barely come together in your brain, to tease and intoxicate the senses, playing in the gap between what you see and what you think you see. My subjects are feminine and strong, classic beauty in a modern age. I plan just a bit, but remain open to the story being found in the scraps along the way. I think of it as a Zen narrative, with new interpretations each time we look."
Gores has exhibited nationally and internationally for more than a decade. In 2009, he was honored to be invited to exhibit at Manifest Hope DC, the exhibit at President Obama's Inauguration. In 2017, Gores was commissioned by Playboy to create the collage portrait of Hugh Hefner for their tribute issue. In 2020, Gores was the first ever Artist in Residence at the historic Hotel Bel-Air in Beverly Hills. Gores additional corporate collectors include Rinascente, Prada, Tag Heuer, Porsche, ESPN and many more.
