Gelinck is like that friend who has an uncanny knack for remembering everyone's past - the good, the bad, and the goofy. He pulls out these throwback shots of actors and gives them a fresh spin, setting up a meet-and-greet between the actor and their most popular/recognized role. It's a bit like those high school reunion flicks, where you get to see who has changed, who hasn't, and who’s still trying to live down that unfortunate prom outfit.
Ard also knows we love our current generation of actors too. He features celebrities with their more recent, unforgettable roles, like for example Jenna Ortega and her role as Wednesday Addams. It's a great way to see how far they've come in such a short span. Plus, it's kind of fun to see how they've adapted to their characters, becoming almost inseparable from them in the public's eye.
Gelinck's work is like a cultural snapshot. It shows us how powerful cinema is, how it can shape our perceptions of an actor so strongly that we see them as their character. We might call Robert Pattinson 'Edward' or Daniel Radcliffe 'Harry' without even realizing it.
And then there's the whole fame game. One minute, you're just an actor; the next, you're the face of a global franchise. Gelinck's art is a cool reminder of how fast someone can zoom to stardom, all because of one character that resonates with the audience.
Given the opportunity this time around, Bored Panda reached out to Ard for an interview as we discussed some interesting topics letting Gerlinck shed some light on his unique creative process when it comes to this series.
When asked about the process behind creating his renowned images, Ard explained, "Creating these images involves a careful process of research, conceptualization, and execution. I always start by gathering high-resolution images of the actors and their most iconic roles, ensuring that the lighting and angles align as closely as possible for a seamless blend. After that, it's all about meticulous attention to detail in Photoshop, blending the images together and adjusting colors, shadows, and textures until I'm satisfied with the end result."
In response to the question about how he decides on which actor and role to feature in this exact series, Gelinck mentioned, "The decision largely depends on a combination of factors. It's partly based on my personal preferences, the impact of the role on pop culture, and, of course, requests from my followers. I try to keep a balance between all these factors."
Regarding the message he aims to convey in his works, the designer revealed, "When merging an actor with their famous role, my main objective is to evoke a sense of nostalgia and recognition. I want to capture the essence of the character and the actor's interpretation in one image, reminding viewers of the impact these roles have had on them and the wider world of cinema and television."
Gelinck also shared some of the challenges in his work. "Sometimes, it can be difficult to find suitable photos that match in terms of perspective and lighting. Other times, the challenge lies in portraying the actor and the character simultaneously, especially if the character's appearance is vastly different from the actor's regular look."
Finally, when asked about the research and preparation that goes into his projects, the artist emphasized their importance, saying, "Research and preparation are integral to the process. I spend hours looking through pictures, even looking up the interviews, and revisiting the movies or shows to capture the essence of the character. I am indeed a fan of many of the shows and movies I work on, which adds another layer of enjoyment to the process."
