Blue Marlin – Alex Zeng

Artist: Alex Zeng (Chinese/American, Contemporary)
Date: c. 21st Century
Medium: Hand-Cut Dimensional Paper Collage under Tempered Glass
Dimensions: 17 x 33 x 1.4 inches

This striking piece, titled “Blue Marlin,” is a quintessential example of Alex Zeng’s signature “dimensional collage” technique. Zeng, a graduate of the Chinese Academy of Art, has gained international acclaim for his ability to transform ordinary paper scraps—sourced from vintage magazines, advertisements, and books—into intricate, three-dimensional works of art. In this composition, the artist captures the power and aerodynamic grace of the marlin using a layered palette of deep indigos, cerulean blues, and neutral greys. The varied textures and typography hidden within the paper layers add a layer of “found-object” discovery, rewarding close inspection with a glimpse into the diverse materials used.

The artwork is presented in a black wood shadow box frame, which provides the depth necessary to showcase the layered, 3D effect of the paper. Each piece is handmade, meaning that while the design is part of a series for Empire Art Direct, no two collages are identical in their specific paper placement. The work is hand-signed “Alex” in the lower corner. This piece is particularly popular in nautical-themed decors, game rooms, or modern coastal estates, as it blends a contemporary pop-art aesthetic with a classic sporting subject.