Ben Howe is an Australian artist (born in London) who paints hyperrealistic depictions of sliced and crumbling faces. His series “Surface,” featured here, explores in mind-bending detail the “density, flexibility, and texture of human flesh.” In some cases, the texture of stone is replicated, giving the images and their clean compositions a statue-like appearance. Recurring in his work are the themes of time and consciousness, and how these ephemeral concepts manifest unseen in the physical body; as skulls unravel into ribbons and faces collapse into clean slices, there is a profound sense of disjointed identity and sorrow, and in some cases, a feeling of tranquility that arrives through the unravelling and surrender of the mind. View more of Howe’s captivating work on his website and Instagram.

Images © Ben Howe