For most of us, making a shadow rabbit is the ultimate achievement for shadow play. However, one artist is taking shadow play to a whole other level by creating impressive shadow portraits.
While most people project shadow images using their hands, Japanese artist Kuronushi uses complex cardboard cutouts. This allows him to project shadow images on the wall with an incredible amount of detail.
Kuronushi frequently opts to create shadow portraits of pop culture characters and celebrities alongside additional scenes that change as he moves the cardboard. The list includes popular soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, actors like Tom Holland, and movie characters like Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow.
As it turns out, making shadow portraits is just a hobby Kuronushi accidentally picked up. He was playing with his daughter when he noticed a shadow of her on the wall. He was fascinated by the projection and decided to start experimenting and making his own shadow images.
While Kuronushi’s works seem to be those of an expert, the artist only recently started with the practice. He posted his first shadow portrait in 2023 but already has a massive social media following, with internet users being amazed by his content. Check out more of his shadow portraits below.
