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Incredible Bodypainting Disguises Woman as a Swimming Sea Turtle

By Emma Taggart on October 13, 2018

Bodypainting Sea Turtle by Johannes Stötter

We’ve seen many cutting edge body painting artists who use the human body as a canvas, and one who continuously astounds us with his nature-inspired works is Johannes Stötter. From a tropical frog to a majestic lone wolf, Stötter uses his painting skills to disguise human bodies as incredibly realistic animals. For his latest trick-of-the-eye illusion, the clever artist transforms the body of female model Sara Costabiei into a lifelike sea turtle.

Stötter captured the scene on video, which at first glance looks like a clip from a marine life documentary. The “turtle” is seen swimming gracefully through a blue ocean until it suddenly begins to change shape, revealing the illusion. Costabiei slowly moves from her contorted position, showing her human form and how it has been painted. While one half of her head and body are adorned in the patterns of a turtle’s leathery skin, her other half is painted to resemble its rounded shell.

Stötter’s creations are a stunning visual reminder of our connection with the natural world. You can find more of his incredible body art on his website.