Artist Uses Tape to Turn Flat Surfaces into Fun and Colorful 3D Illusions

 

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New York-based artist Aakash Nihalani is known for his playful optical illusion installations that blend graphic, cartoon worlds with reality. He uses a variety of material, including tape, paint, paper, vinyl, wood, and steel to create trick-of-the-eye, three-dimensional artworks that aren’t always what they seem.

Nihalani’s latest work transforms ordinary gallery walls and outdoor spaces into interactive playgrounds. Viewers are encouraged to come closer, play, and question reality. Rendered in his distinct, geometric style in neon and monochrome hues, Nihalani plays with perspective, resulting in works that add a new dimension to otherwise flat, mundane spaces.

In one piece, the clever artist uses tape, vinyl, paint, and board to create the illusion of a mysterious, L-shaped doorway. In another, a stack of precariously balanced cubes look as though they’re about to topple over. As it turns out, the entire piece is one flat surface made from steel, aluminum, and acrylic polyurethane.

You can see more of Nihalani’s head-turning works on his website and Instagram.

Artist Aakash Nihalani creates playful optical illusion installations that blend graphic, cartoon worlds with reality.

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

A master of perspective, his clever works add new dimensions to otherwise flat, mundane spaces.

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

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A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aakash Nihalani (@aakashnihalani) on

Aakash Nihalani: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr

All images via Aakash Nihalani.

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Aakash Nihalani’s Neon Shapes Pierce Human Torsos in Brooklyn

Aakash Nihalani is Back with More Playful Tape Illusions

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Optical Illusion Rugs Make It Look Like There Are Bottomless Holes in Your Home

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

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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