Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle – Bodypainting Illusion

The creative process

As you would expect, the creative process of this design didn’t just happen in minutes, hours or even days, but occurred over a 3 year span. For 2 days, Johannes sat in his studio – his creative space, brainstorming and sketching different positions to expand his animal illusions. During that time, he discovered many possibilities of animal illusions, with a simple one being to portray a sea turtle and its vibrancy using just one model.

An important aspect of this design, was figuring out how to make the turtle appear as though it was swimming in the sea. In 2015, Johannes attempted the first pre-test, utilizing a glass construction, which the model was placed on top of while making swimming movements with her arm. Simultaneously, Johannes’s assistants were directed to move the background in the opposite direction, which gave the illusion of the swimming effect. Although this concept worked, the glass construction was still visible, and a few adjustments had to be made.

Johannes improved the painting, and also drew inspiration from his previous system used in his live UV show for his “Chameleon Motive” in 2017. Having a well thought out plan ready for execution, Johannes collaborated with a professional videographer of Reframe Production, to capture his work of art in 2018. Using a black rolling table together with the moving camera, splitting the background into lower and upper half sections and having the model demonstrate swimming motions with her arm, brought the painted sea turtle to life. As the table was black, it camouflaged perfectly into the paintings, giving mobility and cohesiveness to the entire concept.

Johannes Stötter

The Master of Illusions

Professional artist Johannes Stötter is known for his groundbreaking work in the realm of body painting and body art. His 2013 creation of a tropical frog using 5 models went viral, propelling his career into another stratosphere. As a world renowned phenomenon, Johannes has won numerous awards, reached various milestones and received several accolades from notable press. Based in northern Italy, he resides in a small town in the Alps; holding a deep connection with nature, he gains much of his inspiration. Guided by his life’s philosophy, and motivated by everyday life, his fascination with people of various cultures allows his ingenuity to flourish.

Rather than a static canvas, Johannes transfers his art onto live models, which enhances the connectivity between the artist, person and art-form. Bringing his artwork to life with each brush stroke, and creating detailed effects with his hands, he fuses the seen and unseen into one. Often blending his art into the backdrop of natural landscapes or indoor décor, he creates illusionary masterpieces, portraying the beauty of life forms within its very existence and vulnerability.

Mind-blowing, astounding, and inspirational, his ability to select the perfect shades of colour is as accurate as an “eyedropper tool”. Making it seem effortless, his distinctive technique compliments his peculiar, yet driven and passionate persona; as he brilliantly paints his vision, transforming each model piece by piece. Born into a lifestyle that revolves around intertwining elements of creativity, spirituality and alternative living, music is also an integral part of his artistic expression.

With a high spirit and powerful creative sense, he teaches at bodypainting workshops, and exhibits his work all around the globe. His ability to touch the hearts of others and spark positivity through his art is by far one of Johannes’s utmost successes.