“Hole in the Head” Tattoo Transforms Man’s Head Into a Mind-Bending Optical Illusion

Head Tattoo by Matt Pehrson

Tattooist Matt Pehrson has transformed his client’s head into a mind-bending optical illusion. Using a combination of perspective and shading, the bald noggin looks as though there's a hole in it, or a vortex that is pulling everything towards its deep center. The effect is as amazing as it is impressive—especially because from certain angles, the illusion seems to engulf the entire head in its dizzying design.

Believe it or not, this is just the start of Pehrson’s head tattoo, which is on his friend Ryan. Pehrson writes on  Instagram, “We have a lot left to finish on his dome.” Considering that he’s already achieved the illusionary aspect of the tattoo, we’ll be eagerly awaiting to see how he intends to complete it. If it is anything like his other finished work, it might include an array of visual motifs that add dazzling complexity to the three-dimensional elements.

Scroll down to see more geometric tattoos from Pehrson.

Tattooist Matt Pehrson created a “hole in the head” tattoo that engulfs the entire noggin in a mind-bending optical illusion.

Head Tattoo by Matt Pehrson

The tattooist is also known for his striking geometric designs that blend three-dimensional elements with graphic, bold motifs.

Geometric Tattoo on Leg by Matt Pehrson

Optical Illusion Tattoo by Matt Pehrson

Geometric Tattoo on Arm by Matt Pehrson

Geometric Tattoo on Arm by Matt Pehrson

Optical Illusion Tattoo by Matt Pehrson

Optical Illusion Tattoo by Matt Pehrson

Geometric Tattoo on Arm by Matt Pehrson

Matt Pehrson: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Matt Pehrson.

Related Articles:

Optical Illusion Tattoos Imagine Fine-Lined Designs in Dizzying Double Vision

Artist’s Optical Illusion Tattoos Look Like They’re Hiding Entire Worlds Beneath

Ingeniously Articulated Tattoos Require Bending to See the Full Image

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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