Tulle Portraits by Benjamin Shine

Instead of painting with paint, British artist Benjamin Shine creates his portraits with tulle — you know, that netting fabric that you see on various gowns or tutus. Shine takes a single piece of tulle and proceeds to pleat, iron, and manipulate it into these hauntingly realistic portraits full of light, shadow, and dimension.

Elizabeth Taylor (first image also)

The three-dimensional pieces show unbelievable likeness to the person they are meant to portray, despite the use of such a raw textile.

Elizabeth Taylor

Andy Warhol

While not a portrait per se, the “Hands of Time” installation is made from over 50 meters (approx. 164 feet) of tulle. The detail created is unreal!

Hands of Time – in process

Hands of Time – close up

Hands of Time – detail

Hands of Time – side view

Sheikah

Sheikah – in process

Mrs. Foster

Giusi

Chloe

John

Caroline Williamson is the former Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk and a writer with a passion for modern design, architecture, and creative culture. She holds a BFA in photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, solving New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or curating Spotify playlists.

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