In the intricate interplay between the tangible and speculative, Dylan Newton, recognized as Picklefig in the art world, photographs a world where the present and future converge seamlessly. As a Cyberpunk portrait photographer and artwear designer, he repurposes materials from discarded electronics and various toy components, crafting unique wearable art pieces. By capturing subjects adorned in these creations, he transports viewers into a Cyberpunk future through the amalgamation of innovative design and futuristic aesthetics. Picklefig’s creations, extensions of the narratives embedded in his photographs, act as immersive conduits into a speculative future, echoing the Cyberpunk themes of transhumanism and capitalist dystopia. Evoking both a sense of utility and theoretical rigor, his wearable art symbolizes the fusion of human essence with cybernetic elements, capturing the essence of a world where the organic and artificial intertwine. Through meticulously curated exhibitions on the global stage, from Tokyo to New York City, Newton weaves a visual tapestry that challenges contemporary perceptions and hints at a future already upon us. In the tradition of those who paved the way before him, he beckons viewers to question humanity’s nature and the trajectory of progress in our ever-evolving world.
Dylan Newton, born in Beaumont, Texas, in 1995, developed a passion for building and creativity from a young age, influenced by his father’s expertise in crafting guitars. His artistic journey took a turn when, during his pursuit of a B.B.A. in marketing at Lamar University’s College of Business, he received a 35mm film camera as a Christmas gift from his father. This pivotal moment ignited his fascination with portrait photography.
Driven by influences such as the movies Ghost in the Shell and Bladerunner, which he encountered during a philosophy class, Dylan immersed himself in the neon aesthetics and philosophical ideas of transhumanism in a dystopian society. It was during this transformative period that he coined the name Picklefig by merging his two common nicknames, Dyl Pickle and Fig Newton, into one unified moniker.
Upon completing his degree, Dylan delved deeper into his photographic practice and his passion for cyberpunk. He began constructing futuristic props and masks, transforming his subjects into denizens of a grim dystopian future. Utilizing the bustling city streets of Houston, Dallas, Austin, and New York City as his canvas, Dylan’s photos strike a balance between allure and danger, capturing the stylistic glamour of the future while retaining its darker themes. Not content with mere imagery, Dylan regularly crafts short stories, building his own world within a cyberpunk future and assigning unique narratives to each character he photographs.
In the summer of 2023, Dylan’s art reached a global audience as it was showcased in Superchief Gallery’s CYBERPUNK Volume 5 exhibitions across various cities, including Austin, Texas; Miami, Florida; Valencia, Spain; Paris, France; Rome, Italy; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, South Korea; New York City; and Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
