Modern Romance is a project by artist, Paul Oddo that explores the role of sexually suggestive imagery shared via texting or messaging apps. The cultural phenomenon of “nudes” specifically female, and what part they play in contemporary digital-based courtship is in focus, as well as the perspectives and voices of the women behind them.

The project consists of a series of replica smartphones, which are in actuality small figure paintings on wooden blocks made to appear to be devices displaying images on their screens. The figure paintings on each block are made by hand by the artist using acrylic paint and colored pencil. The blocks are then shaped, sanded, further painted, and encased in an epoxy resin to appear to be actual phones at a glance. Each painting uses as its material source reference, a true personal image provided by the woman in the painting who has agreed to be a part of the project. That original photo is genuine and represents an authentic gesture of personal intent by the individual. 

Each “phone” contains an NFC tag embedded within it, which allows the viewer to see a “making of” process video and written interviews with the model from each piece. These interviews allow the models to share their thoughts and feelings on the subject of explicit imagery and its role in modern romance while maintaining their anonymity. 

The Modern Romance project launches on Valentine’s Day 2023 and will be in development and production until Valentine’s Day 2024.