This incredible make up artist’s surreal creations are guaranteed to bend your mind, as she uses her own face as a canvas to create photo-realist illusions.
Having only got into make up artistry five years ago, 32-year-old Mimi Choi has become an online sensation for her stunningly detailed and surrealist creations.
From transforming herself into a panda to a hamburger, Mimi’s diverse designs have taken on many forms during her four years as a professional, but in her latest series of illusions the results are far more mind-altering.
Appearing to have multiple eyes and eyebrows in a kaleidoscopic pattern or even pixelating the entirety of her face, the Vancouver-based artist conjures up some truly breathtaking creations using only make up and her face, which can take anywhere between three- to five-hours.
Showcasing regular works on her Instagram page, Mimi – who takes inspiration from her lucid dreams – says she followed her passion for make up after first being a pre-school teacher.
‘I got into illusion make up when I was a student, trying my first creative look in Halloween 2013,’ she says.
‘After a really positive reception on social media, I realised how much I could achieve with just a few pieces of make up and was motivated to continue on from there
‘I draw inspiration from everything in my environment including patterns, sounds, shapes, angles and textures.
‘These things really evoke emotions in me and I try to translate them into my art work – I’m also inspired by the surrealist artwork of Dali.
‘Another source [of inspiration] is the sleep paralysis I suffer from, in which I experience vivid hallucinations right before I wake up.
‘These can be frightening but I choose to use it to fuel my creativity.’
Now Mimi holds masterclasses, leads demonstrations and collaborates with companies on campaigns.
‘I showcase all of my work on my website – I think people really enjoy the humour of my creations, because I don’t take my art too seriously.’
To see more of Mimi’s work click here
