Hernan Bas paints tourists in Venice amid global turmoil

This year, Cuban-American artist Hernan Bas has made Venice his home, creating works that feature tourists from his studio with views of the lagoon. Renowned for his portrayals of attractive young white men, influenced by his admiration for Holden Caulfield, Bas recognizes the irony in his choice of subjects, especially as a Miami native witnessing the Airbnb invasion in his community. He confesses that he uses Venice as a refuge, choosing to ignore the turmoil and destruction occurring outside. His portraits possess a dark undertone, embodying the conflict between allure and despair.