Artist Turns Ordinary Spaces into Mind-Bending Optical Illusions

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.

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

Aakash Nihalani: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr

All images via Aakash Nihalani.

Related Articles:

Aakash Nihalani’s Neon Shapes Pierce Human Torsos in Brooklyn

Aakash Nihalani is Back with More Playful Tape Illusions

Artist Hand-Draws 3D Optical Illusions on Walls That Play With Depth and Perspective

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