The Rift 

Alex Gross created "The Rift," a painting that captures a retro-futuristic scene of a formally dressed couple donning virtual reality headsets. Gross works in a time marked by rapid technological advancement, and his art frequently explores the intersection of technology and society. In this painting, he merges an idealized past, reminiscent of mid-20th-century glamour, with symbols of contemporary digital immersion. This contrast serves to highlight our evolving relationship with reality and representation. The figures, adorned in classic attire, are visually cut off from each other and their immediate surroundings by the VR gear. The woman holds a cigarette in a gloved hand, while the man presents a remote, further emphasizing disconnection from each other. "The Rift" makes a statement about how virtual experiences mediate our interactions and potentially create emotional distances, even as technology promises greater connectivity. It invites us to reflect on the personal and social impact of living in an increasingly digital world.