In the rhythmic pulse of New York City's subway, a singular polished-metal wall at the 34th Street station captured my imagination, reflecting the transient yet profound beauty of its myriad riders. This unlikely canvas birthed Masaccio’s Dream – a series of candid portraits, each meticulously recolored in post-production to uncover the deeper narrative woven into fleeting moments.

My creative journey is a harmonious blend of technical rigor and aesthetic exploration. Confronted with the challenges of lighting and composition unique to this site-specific locale, months of experimentation led to revelations in lens selection, camera settings, and manipulation of available light. It was within these moments of trial and frustration that I unearthed the deeper symbiosis between technical challenges and the rich narrative I was crafting – an unexpected allegory of our species' contemporary existence. The blurring, noise, scratches, and graffiti on the metal surface became visual metaphors for our fractured psyche, both individual and collective.

Delving deeper, I began to perceive more than just physical attributes. The clothing choices, subtle body language, the rhythm of movement, and the myriad of facial expressions unfolded before me. This observational shift was akin to peering through an extraterrestrial lens, observing humanity with a newfound curiosity. This perspective provoked profound questions about the nature of identity and autonomy: To what extent are our choices and individualities shaped by unseen societal forces? How do we navigate the complex interplay of personal freedom and collective uniformity in today's world?

Through Masaccio's Dream, the subway station transforms into a visual ethnography – a live archaeology capturing a microcosm of our evolving species. The series is more than a reflection; it's a contemplation of our era, one marked by an information deluge, challenging our perceptions of choice, reality, and identity. Each image stands as a mirror to our existence, capturing a species on the cusp of a profound awareness – an awareness of the true nature of choice, reality, and identity in a rapidly transforming world.

This series is an open invitation to join me in this introspective exploration. Masaccio's Dream offers a gateway to probe the intricate fabric of human existence, exploring the delicate balance of individuality and our emerging collective consciousness. It's a journey into the uncharted realms of our psyche, evolving under the constant influx of information and societal shifts.

Kintsugi

While the artworks and series are now complete, the 64.8 x 81-inch print size presents a technical challenge, as Dye Sublimation Aluminum Print technology is limited to a maximum width of 48 inches.

In creating Masaccio’s Dream and other artworks, I was influenced by the Latin American Muralism traditions I grew up with, which called for larger-than-life prints. Despite being aware of the 48-inch width limitation, I envisioned splicing the 64.8 x 81-inch artwork and printing it as two perfectly aligned panels, then matching them precisely to echo the schisms pervading our individual and societal psyches.

However, one late night, I woke up vaguely remembering Kintsugi, the ancient Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold or silver dust as an act of healing and remembrance. I became obsessed with adapting this delicate technique to join large, heavy metal print panels. Griffin Editions confirmed they could produce, align, and mount the panels perfectly. Then, with the assistance of A.I.’s engineering know-how, I was able to resolve the technical challenges of adapting the technique to mend the two 90-inch aluminum panels together.

Kintsugi not only heals the technical printing limitation, it imbues my artworks with a sculptural aura. It also enhances my vision as a visual thinker, allowing me to re-imagine and integrate the Latin American muralism tradition into the fine art photography canon, adding profound philosophical and cosmological resonance to Masaccio’s Dream.

Given the substantial printing costs and the complexities of adapting Kintsugi, I invite inquiries from discerning art collectors and dealers interested in supporting and acquiring this unique series.

Our framing includes wood with an acid-free mat, archival materials, and clear acrylic with superior UV protection.
We offer framing for prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Each framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
For additional or custom framing options on any size, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co for details.

Visual Rendering On Your Screen
The Sofa Display images and Frame Option previews are digital renderings that provide an approximate visual representation of the artwork and framing. Screen sizes, resolutions, and color settings may vary across devices, affecting the accuracy of scale and color reproduction on your screen. Please refer to the table below for exact print and framing measurements.

Enjoy free shipping on all orders placed within the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
Free shipping is available for framed prints up to 32 x 40 inches. Your framed artwork includes installation hardware and arrives ready to hang.
Free shipping also applies to the PRINT ONLY option on any size, with your artwork shipped securely in a protective tube.
Custom framing is available for any size upon request—please contact me directly for details.

International Shipping
We’re happy to offer international shipping. For details and a personalized quote, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We’d be glad to assist you.

Processing & Shipping Time
For framed orders, please allow 10 to 15 business days for printing, mounting, framing, and preparing your artwork for shipping. After that, UPS or FedEx Ground delivery adds 3 to 7 business days. The total estimated delivery time for framed orders is 13 to 22 business days.

For the PRINT ONLY option, orders ship within 3 to 5 business days. Once shipped, delivery via UPS or FedEx Ground takes an additional 3 to 7 business days. Your estimated delivery time is 7 to 12 business days from order to arrival.

Please Note: Delivery times may be affected during the holiday season. We recommend placing your order early to ensure timely arrival.

Tracking Information
You will receive tracking information once your order is shipped.

Edition Note
The largest print in a series is offered in a rare edition of 3, plus 1 Artist’s Proof (AP), held in the artist’s archive for legacy purposes and not available for sale.

Certification
Each piece is signed, editioned, titled, and dated on the verso. A certificate of authenticity is included.

Pricing
As editions sell out, prices may increase to reflect their growing rarity, demand, and value.

About Editions
In art collecting, "editions" refer to a limited number of prints produced from a single original artwork. Understanding the distinction between rare and limited editions is crucial for collectors, as it directly impacts the value and rarity of each print.

Rare Editions
Rare editions are the most exclusive, with very few prints available.
Typical Range: In my work, rare editions consist of 3 prints, plus 1 Artist's Proof held in reserved for legacy purposes.
Value: Due to their extreme rarity, these prints are highly sought after and hold significant value for collectors.
Numbering: Each rare edition print is individually numbered and signed by the artist.

Limited Editions
Limited editions refer to a fixed number of prints produced from a single image.
Typical Range: Limited editions in my work range from 9 prints for smaller sizes to a rare edition of 3 for larger sizes.
Value: While more accessible than rare editions, limited editions still offer exclusivity.
Numbering: Each limited edition print is numbered and signed by the artist.

Exclusivity
Once an edition is sold out, no additional prints will be produced, ensuring the lasting value and exclusivity of each artwork.

Custom Orders
Each product is custom-made specifically for you, making it unique and special. Therefore, all orders are final. We do not accept returns, nor offer refunds, exchanges, or credits for custom creations.

Quality Assurance
We use the finest archival materials, and each frame is hand-assembled to ensure exceptional quality. Every print is color-matched to the artist’s original file and fully authenticated.
Damaged or Incorrect Orders: If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the damage, and your order number. We will work with you to resolve the issue, although returns, refunds, exchanges, or credits are not offered.

Handling Damages
While we stand by the quality and craftsmanship of our products, rare instances of transit damage can occur.
Reporting Issues: If your order arrives damaged, please contact us within 48 hours of receiving it. Include clear photos of the damage and packaging.
Resolution Process: We will assess the damage on a case-by-case basis to determine whether repair or replacement is necessary, a process which may take up to 30 business days. Replacements depend on current production and shipping schedules, and you may be responsible for return shipping costs.

Defective Products
If you believe your product is defective (distinct from transit damage), contact us within 48 hours with photos and a description of the defect. We will review and decide whether to repair, replace, or refund the item.

Third-Party Receivers
If artwork is sent to a third-party receiver, such as a warehouse, installer, or framer, please ensure inspection upon arrival. Any damage must be documented immediately with clear photos of both the damage and packaging, as ownership transfers to you once it is checked in.

International Orders
For orders outside the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, please place your order directly by contacting us via email, as we do not process international orders through the website. Buyers are responsible for all shipping, duties, and associated international costs.

Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited to the purchase price of the product, and we are not responsible for incidental or consequential damages.

Dispute Resolution
Disputes arising from this policy will be resolved according to our Terms of Use.

Posting Policy
Our return policy is clearly posted on our website and at the point of sale to ensure compliance with state-specific laws requiring prominent posting of return policies.

For questions or assistance, including reporting damages or issues, please reach out to us at marco@ma9.co. We are here to help and ensure you have a wonderful experience with our fine art photography.