Black and White Makeup Transforms Human Faces Into Strangely Familiar Objects

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

As technology advances, many artists are using digital tools to create mind-bending optical illusion art. However, other creative minds prefer to take a more hands-on approach, reaching for their pencils and paintbrushes to create eye-catching trompe-l'œil techniques. Taking surreal art a step further, Moscow-based husband and wife duo Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova use the human face as their canvas in their most recent body art series, Humiforms.

Created using graphic, black and white makeup, each trick-of-the-eye portrait transforms the model into a familiar object or symbol. From an exclamation point to a dandelion, the series explores human emotion and individualism. Khokhlov and Ershova explain in their artist statement: “Internal contradictions and harmony, a passion for excitement and excessive conservatism, a thirst for freedom and selective attention—these are some of the themes that emerge in the Humiforms series.”

Taking anywhere from two to six hours to create each piece, some of the images feature various props and accessories to complete the illusion. In one piece, a model’s head and torso is transformed into a larger-than-life shuttlecock, complete with a paper cut-out cone and “feathers.” In another, a painted violin covers the model’s bust and face, while the neck of the instrument is created by sculpting her hair into a high ponytail.

For even more of Khokhlov and Ershova’s visual transformations, head over to their website.

Moscow-based husband and wife duo Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova use the human face as their canvas in their most recent body art series, Humiforms.

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

 

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Created using graphic, black and white makeup, each trick-of-the-eye portrait transforms the model into a familiar object or symbol.

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Body Art Optical Illusion Art Humiforms by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova

Take a look behind the scenes.

Alexander Khokhlov: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Behance
Veronica Ershova: Facebook | Instagram | Behance

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Alexander Khokhlov and Veronika Ershova.

Related Articles:

Surreal Painted Faces Make Us Question What We Are Seeing

Shocking Black and White Face Illustrations

25 Amazing Optical Illusions That Illustrate the Magic of Makeup

This Woman’s Mind-Bending Optical Illusions Are All Made With Makeup

Special Effects Makeup Artist Subtly Transforms Her Face Into Striking Illusions

Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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