At first glance, Mike Dargas’s large-scale portraits appear to be photographs, but each is a meticulously crafted oil painting that showcases his masterful use of light and shadow. A painter since childhood, Dargas is renowned for his close-up portraits of women, often depicted with their faces glistening under cascades of honey or chocolate. Since 2014, he has been creating these photorealistic works to explore both inner and outer beauty, as well as formal elements like depth and perspective. Before dedicating himself to painting, Dargas worked as a tattoo artist, which refined his skills in precise draftsmanship. His paintings, bold and seductive, serve as emotional snapshots that delve into timeless themes such as vulnerability, authenticity, femininity, and identity.