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While some graffiti artists put questionable art and tags around cities, others are turning urban spaces into mind-bending art. The talented 31-year-old Mexican artist Carlos Alberto GH, based in Guadalajara, creates extraordinary anamorphic street art. He transforms dull spaces into surrealistic scenes that come to life at the right angle. It looks like his creations are jumping out of the pavement or walls and the best part is that you can make it seem as if you are interacting with them! The artist masterfully plays with shadows and perspective to create colorful 3D optical illusions that would make any passerby stop for a second and rotate their head trying to figure out 'how.'

Scroll this impressive gallery of Carlos Alberto's best works and check out his story in the interview below!

More info: Instagram | Facebook

#1

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carlosalberto_gh Report

Spaghetti
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Except for the left wing, I have NO IDEA how this is not three dimensional!

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Carlos Alberto has been painting all his life, but ended up as an art conservator until he fairly recently discovered 3D street art and proved that practice indeed makes perfect.

"I specialized in archaeological heritage, so I worked for some years in the Mayan Peninsula in Mexico with the restoration of mural paintings, but since I started to attend street art festivals (every year more often), I decided to pause my career and give 3D paintings a try. At first, it was a bit confusing, I didn't quite understand how to create the perspective to make the illusion work perfectly, but as I started to practice more and more, it became easy and mostly automatic for me, so now it is part of my life and I can't imagine myself doing anything different," the artist told Bored Panda.

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    #2

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Joshua Nowell
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HOOOOOLY COW! this one is amazing! I can't even tell if the guy on the left is real! this should be higher!

    The weird one!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The bernie meme is so perfect i love this one 😂😂😂👏👏👏

    No Fox Given
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait... Has he painted himself or ....?

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    #3

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Owen Merkel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    IM SHOCKED YOU CAN DO THIS IF I TRIED IT WOULD NOT SELL FOR 1¢ THAT IS DEDICATION

    Taylor Bentley
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    where i live we get a trashy virson of blue jays.. scrub jays

    Lucky.Lady
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't undestand where it is painted next to him or on the wall and the shadows

    Aishlinn
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    watch out looks like he bout to take a dump

    Glynna Bowood
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep trying to see the flat version- still can't because the black stripe on the head/neck is perfectly placed!

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    We asked Carlos Alberto what he found so fascinating about 3D street art.

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    "It was fascinating for me that this kind of expression was not only outdoors, but this art was close to people, in public spaces, urban areas, so they were able to see the creation process and be part of it. It's like a big performance. And at the end, they could interact with the final picture. This was impressive to me, so I had to try it."

    #5

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Imtiredandiwannagotobed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The animals in this were designed perfectly too, if I saw this I’d try to cuddle with them ngl

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    CrazedFalcon17
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is when you know you're in Florida.

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    #7

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    "For me, the world around me is an endless source of inspiration. Nature is filled with wonders, so I try to represent the beauty of all the creatures I see, putting them into surreal contexts, like a magical dream," Carlos Alberto GH told us about his inspiration. "But not only that, I also find that human beings can be extraordinary and inspiring. Every time I read about someone doing good, it gives me hope that a better future can be built, so while I'm not painting people very often, their actions give me the inspiration to create and try to inspire others with my work."

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    #8

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Why?
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you want me to kiss you so that you'll turn back into a prince?

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    #12

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Filimon Gomez
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've got some pictures of myself. Ridding around on a big frog. I was just hopping around Dallas Texas.

    #14

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Mialee Goodman
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    SAD INVASIVE FISHY THATS A LIONFISH

    Piper McLean
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He as sad he’s not with his fellow fish

    Burnt_Spaghetti
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the details on this- 10/10 would recommend

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    #16

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Gold roses
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    spider-man spider-man does whatever a spider can.....

    Piper McLean
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I were to pass this I would walk the opposite way

    Why?
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Will the real web designer please raise your hand!

    #17

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Delta of the Ice/SandWings
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, I don't think so, he was shown in sevral other photos above, he looked different. It could be a random person, or possibly someone he's related to or cares about.

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    #19

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    B-flat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is at the World Street Painting festival in Arnhem (Netherlands). During those days the whole city center is covered with 3D street art. Really cool!

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    #20

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    I'manoob!
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That can work both ways: "Clean the ocean up" and "Clean up the ocean"

    #21

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Glynna Bowood
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OK, hang on - why do the people on the pipe structure look so small- that's in real space...ack- this is messing with my sense of distance and proportion!

    B-flat
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is in Nijmegen (Netherlands) close to where I work and that pipe-structure stands on that somewhat horizontal line. So it is actually quite some distance away. Elongating the pipes with his painting really messes with your mind though. Well done!

    Memere
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, this is awesome, and possibly one of the best! I love how he brought the poles of the pipe structures down into his painting - it makes it so much more!

    #22

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Mimi M
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love the colors on this one!

    #23

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Carole Deem
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that blue thing is like a surf board

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    #25

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    semelina pitrone
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WUT. nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

    #27

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Gold roses
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what happens when you ask mr. crabs for a raise

    purple
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mr. crabs can i have a raise insert this thing with a Mr. crab voice saying no

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    Lindsay Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the fun life he's made for himself and how he shares it.

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    #28

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Whawhawhatsis
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the shadows he painted under the fish, making them really look like they're above the ground!

    #29

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    #30

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Siddharthkrishna Kodathala
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if i was driving on that road, i would brake right away

    Glynna Bowood
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be VERY hard to drive over! How come there aren't lots of brake screech marks!!

    #31

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

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    #32

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    #33

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Eunice Dharmawirya 1730055
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Optical Illusion in an optical illusion?!?! MINDBLOWNN

    #34

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    #35

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Bruce Scheiman
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just for curiosity's sake, I looked it up @Demon Child, and for the first first time ever, Google WOULDN'T PROCESS IT I am SMH

    Demon Child
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    lol keep trying. I promise you aren't missing out...

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    Robert Catte (It, It's)
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was this drawn in an actual hole in the floor?

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    #38

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    Memere
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Street Art MX" (no i in there!) seems to stand for Street Art Mexico.

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    #40

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    BlueReaper
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how he used the yawning expression for the lion instead of the lion looking normal.

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    #44

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

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    Gold roses
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I LOVE marvel! Lmao Stan lee outside the window

    #45

    Anamorphic-Street-Art-3D-Optical-Illusions-Carlos-Alberto-Gh

    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Lindsay Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He could illustrate the best children's book ever!

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    #46

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    carlosalberto_gh Report

    Lindsay Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is brilliance in all of his art from the colors used to the themes the art portrays and what perspective!!!

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    #49

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    Lindsay Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are a lot of sexual and passionate themes in his work. Sexy!

    Baby Panda
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it's not about that lindsay, for example this one is about the harvest, and possibly mexican folktales? not about people making out in a corn field 🙄️

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    #50

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    Annchi Xie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The hand is God's from The Creation Of Adam. I think the hand also represents Nature because it is from the Earth, instead of from the sky like it should traditionally. I think the wasp represents the creation of God's, and that from biggest to smallest, we are all connected and represent Nature. Part of the whole represents the whole. This is just my interpretation as an artist.

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    #52

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    #53

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    Theo C
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    but..they're on a ledge...MY BRAIN

    Lindsay Smith
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is Gabriel Garcia Marquez material with the magical realism going on.

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