I have features the work of dozens of sculptors over the years, but today’s works are like nothing I’ve ever seen. These are the jaw-dropping fabric sculptures by Benjamin Shine Studio. The artist’s process is shockingly simple. Rather than affixing his fabrics to his canvas (or clothing, as in the Galliano collaboration above), Shine uses a hot iron to fuse the fabrics together. How he figured out how to make such beautiful, life-like portraits using only fabric is completely beyond me.

Shine was studying fashion at Central Saint Martins in London when inspiration struck.

“I remember noticing how the sunlight fell on this crumpled ball of tulle in my studio. I was intrigued by the way it exposed the pleats, and I wondered if I could manipulate the fabric to create a recognizable image.”

-Benjamin Shine

There’s a long way to go from being intrigued by a ball of tulle and the sophisticated, remarkable fabric portraiture Shine produces.

You can see all of Shine’s gorgeous fabric portraits on his website and on Instagram. And many thanks to Alison (of Alison and Don) for sending me this incredible artist!

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I had the great pleasure of depicting the beautiful @amberwitcomb in tulle for the latest special issue of Fashion Magazine to mark the milestone of their 40th anniversary. The piece will be auctioned with all proceeds going to establish a new fund to support emerging fashion design talent at Ryerson University’s School of Fashion. This is a brief segment from the film and interview which can be seen over at fashionmagazine.com . editor @noreen_flanagan photography @owenbruce film @eriknswain @capitalarts . #tulle #portrait #preraphaelite #greecian #beauty #fleetingmoment #art #fashion #benjaminshinestudio #fashioncanada

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Oct 5, 2017 at 7:50pm PDT

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Seeing Through The Material Bergdof Goodman 5th Avenue Window #2 Detail Dress by @fendi Shoes by @louboutin Jewelry by #kentshire Exhibition runs 8th July to 3rd August @bergdorfs #benjaminshine #berdorfgoodman #tulle #installation #5thavenue #windows #newyork

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Jul 26, 2017 at 7:40am PDT

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So pleased to be presenting my first Sky Flow Sculpture ‘Quietude’ @Mindbodygreen In Arizona. The sculpture changes in colour and intensity throughout the day from pink to black as the sun and sky changes…this is the dusk shot. Recycled HDPE netting and steel 5m x 2.5m Special thanks to my team and installers on site: Acuform Canberra Mind Body Green @Dogoodwork #Sky #Flow #Sculpture #Quietude #Tucson #Arizona #Mindbodygreen #Revitalize2019 #benjaminshinestudio

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Jun 28, 2019 at 11:14am PDT

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Current Exhibition / KIAF / Seoul / 25th – 29th September Works from the Flow series are now showing @boccara_art / booth B61. 'Within' No. 1 Single piece of uncut tulle on canvas 50 x 60cm #Tulle #Flow #Series #Textiles #Sculpture #Seoul #benjaminshinestudio @kiafartseoul

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Sep 25, 2019 at 10:07am PDT

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Happy New Year! The start of a new year is much like a blank canvas – primed for grand plans and new ideas…but potentially daunting too. I find that life unfolds in the most interesting ways when I have the courage to go for it and take those first few steps towards realising an idea & I’m reminded of this every time I pick up a piece of tulle and begin the process of attempting to make something out of it. Creativity starts with curiosity, but taking those first real steps, sets in motion various challenges to overcome, which in their mildest form can be very rewarding and in their extreme form can be life-enhancing and even life-changing…. so here’s to a creative 2019 and the courage to take those first steps towards any endeavour you’ve been hesitant to start #goforit! This piece depicts the beautiful and iconic Renata Litvinova, currently featured in @voguerussia @renatalitvinovaofficiall #tulle #art #sculpture #portrait #fabric #manipulation #newyear #2019 #renatalitvinova #benjaminshinestudio #vogue #fashion @vogue

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Jan 1, 2019 at 4:43am PST

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New Works, New York… This one has sold but several other pieces are currently showing this weekend @boccara_art @artnewyork : PIER 94 / ART NEWYORK /BOOTH ANY203 / BOCCARA #tulle #flow #sculpture #benjaminshinestudio #frieze week #friezenewyork @artmiamifairs

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on May 4, 2019 at 8:55am PDT

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Seeing Through The Material Bergdof Goodman 5th Avenue Window #1 Dress by @carolinaherrera Jewelry by #kentshire Exhibition runs 8th July to 3rd August @bergdorfs #benjaminshine #berdorfgoodman #tulle #installation #5thavenue #windows #newyork

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Jul 19, 2017 at 9:36pm PDT

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#internationalwomensday

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Mar 8, 2018 at 1:45pm PST

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Every year I try to get to Berkeley Square in London for the annual LAPADA exhibition which presents the most extraordinary works of craftsmanship, from antiques to contemporary art and design. This year, I’m honoured to have works from my Tulle Flow series exhibited @boccara_gallery . If you’re in London, I highly recommend a visit! The exhibition runs from 14-18th September and ticket information can be found via  https://lapadalondon.com/visitors/ #Tulle #Flow #Sculpture #Clarity #Meditation #Textile #Fabric #Art #benjaminshinestudio

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Sep 14, 2018 at 7:08am PDT

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I'm a huge fan of soul music and great singers, so when the very talented Jason Heerah got in touch to ask if I'd create the artwork for his upcoming album…it was a very definite… YES! Jason is already well-known for his legendary drumming within the music industry, but last year his incredible talents saw him reach the finals of X Factor Australia, winning the hearts of the judges and viewers where his voice (as well as his drumming) blew everyone away. A year on and his debut album Chasing Love is hot off the press! More info at www.jasonheerah.com

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Mar 30, 2016 at 3:50am PDT

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Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! #limitless #potential #beyond #physical #form #tulle #dance #sculpture #benjaminshinestudio

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Jan 1, 2018 at 2:42am PST

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I’m looking forward to talking at The Museum of Arts and Design as part of New York Textile Month. I’ll be talking with @philipfimmano about my tulle work, with Q & A afterwards. Details: Saturday 21st September 4pm. The Theatre @madmuseum 2 Columbus Circle New York . Tickets are free and can be booked via link in bio. This is a special ticket to mark the annual Smithsonian Day: each ticket provides entry to the whole museum and includes +1 guest. Tulle Flow 'Mantra’ Currently showing @boccara_art Boccara Gallery, New York Single length of tulle on canvas 90cm x 120cm #newyorktextilemonth #tulle #textile #sculpture #newyork #benjaminshinestudio @newyorktextilemonth

A post shared by Benjamin Shine (@benjaminshinestudio) on Sep 16, 2019 at 10:46am PDT