This sculpture of President Abraham Lincoln is almost unnerving in its realism. Kyoto-based artist Kazuhiro Tsuji certainly knows how to catch people off guard with his creations. Before working as a sculptor, Tsuji worked for many years as a renowned makeup artist for feature films.
There is some interesting history behind Tsuji's re-creation of Lincoln. When he was much younger, Tsuji saw an issue of Fangoria magazine. In it, makeup artist Dick Smith was featured for his work on the metamorphosis of actor Hal Holbrook into Abraham Lincoln for a 1976 miniseries. This so inspired young Tsuji that he immediately set to work transforming himself into Lincoln, which was no easy feat as a Japanese youth. Tsuji sent photos of the finished product to Dick Smith, who responded enthusiastically. The two eventually began working together. Tsuji's work can be seen in films such as Men in Black and Planet of the Apes. See images of his work in the movies here.
Check out Tsuji's amazing busts of Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí and see an interview with him concerning his process here, and visit his website to see additional projects.
That is amazing!
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