Have you ever thought about how we interpret spatial relationships in the world around us and also how we take our interpretations for granted. Well, artist Alexa Meade has decided to jolt us out of this state by creating a perceptual shift in a way that is completely innovative!

While most artists use acrylic paint to paint on canvas, more importantly, to paint portraits of people on canvas, artist Alexa Meade has decided to completely turn the concept around on its head! She uses acrylic paint to paint on people to make them look like art on canvas.

Of course, people are not the only things she paints on- she also uses other three dimensional objects- but just look at the pictures below to see for yourself the stunning effect she is able to create. And, while you are at it, don’t forget to notice the kind of reaction her art gets from onlookers!

Via (Moillusions)

When you think about it, thieves and tattoos are easily combined, and as a matter of fact, they have been for centuries. Thieves in prison for a variety of crimes have traditionally used tattoos to show their criminal history, conviction rates, place in criminal hierarchy (which was quite rigid in the olden days), character, nationality, religion, sexual orientation and even erudition. Criminal courts even had a term for it- Criminal undershirt- and in fact, they used this it to determine what sentence to pass. Of course, criminal tattooing is no longer existent in exactly the same way it was in the past, but the pictures below show an interesting collection.It is important to remember that most of these tattoos were created in the jail itself with very crude instrument and using handy materials. Surely they would have caused excruciating pain, but worse was the fact the criminal could be punished with beatings, and even death, if his prison tattoos were discovered by authorities.

Via (Vasi)

If the topic is body art, Craig Tracy is its undisputed master. Just take a picture at some of the pictures below and see for yourself. His work does not only involve meticulous attention to detail, but what really takes your breath away is his ingenious perception and creativity. How he can visualize and create these fantastic pieces of art, and that too on a human body, is really a work of sheer genius. No wonder, he has gained popularity around the world, is well acclaimed by critics and a darling of publishers.

Tracy, born in the notorious city of New Orleans, was born to hippie parents. The forces that influenced the art scene of New Orleans also clearly influenced him as can be seen by the numerous depiction of jazz in his art, which originated in New Orleans in the early part of the century.

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If you are a fan of body ink and you like your tattoos with strong themes running through them, you will be hard pressed a pair of tattoos that match these two. Although, we can only see them from the side, one gets the impression that they are full torso tattoos, front, side and back. The two show contrasting themes- one shows fire, the other, water. However, there is one larger theme than runs through them and that is love. This is also evident in the way the picture is taken and the tattoos are allowed to mingle with and overlap each other. The tattoo with the theme of fire has fire and shooting stars, while the one depicting water has a plethora of water creatures. Of course, there is no denying the picture itself is extremely provocative, yet very tastefully done. Bravo!

Via (Worth1000)

The tradition of Zombie Walk lives on in Sacramento since it was first held in August 2001. Mostly organized by horror movie fans, this annual event has become a great way for fans of the zombie genre to have some fun. They dress up in zombie get ups and walk along a pre-decided route. Take a look at the pictures below to see how zombie-like these living people have managed to look as well as at the fun they seem to be having.

As you can see, scars, wounds, oozing blood seems to be the norm amongst the participants. However, some have even gone so far as to show a dangling eyeball and a decapitated head. Characters from zombie movies like Resident Evil movies, 28 Day Later, Dawn of the Dead, etc. seem to be the inspiration for many participants. The fun is in walking and behaving like a Zombie, of course.

Via (Vasi)

Body painting competition held every year named World Body painting Festival. Staring in Australia  in 1998, this is the world’s biggest art festival on the incredible genre of body painting which has attracted the attention of hundreds of visitors. The festival is in fact more than a simple competition. It offers body painting artists and those who love this unique genre of art a chance to get together and enjoy their favorite art.

Via (Flickr)