London-based artist Joe Black uses thousands of tiny objects to create large-scale murals of iconic and historical figures. Each piece features a variety of components ranging from small toys and chess pieces to nuts and bolts. His material choice plays a significant role in portraying his interpretive message, while presenting it in an eye-catching manner.
The latest portraits in the artist's growing collection includes one of US President Barack Obama made out of black and white toy soldiers. Black used approximately 11,000 of the tiny, hand-painted action figures to construct the mural.
Made in China
Produced using more than 5500 toy soldiers. The portrait is of a Chinese soldier boy taken by photographer Robert Capa. The image was used on the front cover of LIFE magazine, January 1938 to cover the Sino Japanese War. The toy soldiers are manufactured in China, hence the title “Made in China”.
Workers of the world Unite
mixed media and 15,000 hand-painted plastic toy soldiers on aluminium
size 310 x 215 cm
The work references the power of Chairman Mao to lead his Red Army and the population of China under communist rule. The image plays on a quote from the Little Red Book and encapsulates the idea of one man as a unifying and equalising force over thousands.
size 310 x 215 cm
The work references the power of Chairman Mao to lead his Red Army and the population of China under communist rule. The image plays on a quote from the Little Red Book and encapsulates the idea of one man as a unifying and equalising force over thousands.
Star
mixed media with 10,000 hand-painted chess pieces on aluminium
size 234 x 183 cm – 92.1 x 72 in.
The portrait of Stalin signifies the Soviet Dictator as a player who out manoeuvred his political opponents to become a super power. Stalin’s cult of personality and the idea of branding is also a theme within the work.
size 234 x 183 cm – 92.1 x 72 in.
The portrait of Stalin signifies the Soviet Dictator as a player who out manoeuvred his political opponents to become a super power. Stalin’s cult of personality and the idea of branding is also a theme within the work.
Cold Hero
mixed media with 9,000 hand-painted chess pieces on aluminium
size 232 x 193 cm
The 1950′s saw space become the arena for competition between America and Russia. The portrait depicts the winner, America’s reluctant hero Neil Armstrong.
size 232 x 193 cm
The 1950′s saw space become the arena for competition between America and Russia. The portrait depicts the winner, America’s reluctant hero Neil Armstrong.
