Amazing 3D Art By Joe and Max (8 Photos)
Content warning: Explore the amazing 3D street art of Joe and Max! Their incredible illusions turn sidewalks into magical, interactive spaces. Check out some of their coolest creations in this post!
From illusionary underground temples to icy cliffs and books bursting with stories, this new collection of 3D street art by Joe and Max blends realism with wonder. Featured in cities like Dublin, Gloucester, and beyond, each piece invites the viewer to step into another dimension—literally. Highlights include a yeti crashing out of a frame, a dramatic refugee boat illusion by the river, and a deep plunge into a cosmic wormhole.
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More: 14 Street Art 3D Masterpieces You Won’t Believe Are Real
1.
Tower of Stories
A vertical library opens below the street, with stacks of books supporting readers, dreamers, and fictional characters in flight. A fantasy scene set deep underground.
2.
Basement Underworld
A cracked urban wall reveals a shadowy basement scene, complete with wooden stairs, tools, old bricks, and worn-out walls—creating the illusion of depth and forgotten stories.
3.
ZeroSpace Vortex
A glowing vortex swirls into a tunnel labeled “ZeroSpace,” surrounded by floating pizza slices and oddities. The illusion of depth makes it feel like a portal to another realm.
4.
Hippo Breakout
A hippo appears to smash through a white wall, surrounded by cracks as if it had just broken loose. Its mouth is wide open in a roar, adding to the illusion of motion and chaos.
5.
Framed by a Yeti
A towering yeti appears to crash out of a gilded picture frame, its giant foot stepping into the real world while icicles dangle from the painting’s edge. A playful illusion that invites interaction.
6.
The Frozen Divide
A winter landscape transformed into an arctic chasm. Painted directly onto snow, this piece simulates a massive icy crevasse, with blue glacial cliffs and a red SUV parked on the edge.
7.
Boat in Rough Waters
A refugee boat breaks through painted waves on the pavement. The scene is rendered with vivid motion and real human figures for an emotional visual impact.
8.
Roman Bath Illusion
This illusion peels back the pavement to reveal a hidden Roman-style bath with blue mosaic tiles, tall marble columns, and steps descending into the imagined pool.
Whether on snow, cobblestone, or concrete, Joe and Max continuously reshape our perception of public space. Their 3D illusions invite participation, spark curiosity, and transform ordinary streets into extraordinary stories.
More: Breathtaking Transformations: Odeith’s 3D Art in Abandoned Spaces
Which one is your favorite?
3D Masterpieces (18 Photos)
Get ready to be mesmerized by the fascinating world of 3D street art!
In today’s blog post, we’ll delve into the mind-bending realm of anamorphic masterpieces, as we explore how these optical illusions are created and what makes them so captivating. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the intriguing world of 3D street art!It’s all about perspective! The Art of Anamorphosis:
Creating Illusions Anamorphosis, the technique behind 3D street art, involves creating distorted images that only appear in their correct proportions when viewed from a specific angle or through a reflective device. This mind-blowing technique has been around since the Renaissance, but it wasn’t until the late 20th century that artists began applying it to the streets, transforming ordinary pavements into magical wonderlands.1
By 3D-Master Odeith
More by Odeith: 19 Jaw-Dropping 3D Graffiti Pieces by Odeith2
By Shozy in Solnechnogorsk, Russia.
See how it is made and from other points of view: Stunning Optical Illusion Mural by ShozyThe Pioneers: Kurt Wenner and Julian Beever
We can’t talk about 3D street art without mentioning its pioneers, Kurt Wenner and Julian Beever. Both artists started creating anamorphic illusions on the streets of Europe in the 1980s, revolutionizing the street art scene. Their innovative works have inspired a new generation of artists to experiment with perspective and create their own jaw-dropping 3D masterpieces.3
By Kurt Wenner
4
By Julian Beever
The Process: From Sketch to Lifelike Artwork
Creating 3D street art is a labor-intensive process that begins with a detailed sketch of the desired illusion. Artists then use mathematical calculations and perspective techniques to determine the correct proportions for the final piece. Once the groundwork is done, they meticulously apply chalk or paint to the pavement, using shading and highlights to bring the illusion to life.5
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
By Leon Keer, Ruben Poncia, Remko van Schaik and Peter Westerink during the 4th Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida US
The Impact: Engaging and Interactive Art
One of the most captivating aspects of 3D street art is its interactive nature. Viewers are encouraged to engage with the artwork, often becoming a part of the scene themselves. This immersive quality allows people to connect with art on a deeper level, sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity.6
3D Pedestrian Crossings Are Slowing Down Speeding Drivers in Iceland
7
Braga Last1, also known as Tom Bragado Blanco Brings Old Gas Tank to Life with Stunning Sphynx Cat Illusion.
Where to See 3D Street Art: Festivals and Events
Eager to experience these incredible optical illusions for yourself? Keep an eye out for street art festivals and events, where many 3D artists showcase their talents. Some popular events include the Sarasota Chalk Festival in Florida, the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival, also in Florida, and the Fiera delle Grazie in Italy.8
Sleeping kitten by WA in Lima, Peru.
9
‘Knowledge speaks – Wisdom listens’ – Mural in by WD (Wilddrawing) in Athens, Greece.
10
By Made in Graffiti: The sleeping beauty – In Picardie, France.
11
By Peeta in Mannheim, Germany.
To understand the 3D effect better, see more photos of the mural here.12
Horse by Nikolaj Arndt in Neustadt, Germany.
13
Giraffe Eating the Plants by Jan Is De Man in Utrecht, Netherlands.
More by Jan Is De Man: Transforming Cityscapes with Playful 3D Street Art14
Mural by Cosimo Cheone Caiffa in Milano, Italy.
More: 27 Masterpieces By CHEONE15.
Mind Your Step – 3D Street Art in Stockholm, Sweden by Erik Johansson.
16.
In Berlin, Germany.
17.
More by Eduardo Relero.
18.
By Sweo and Nikita in El Berrón, Spain with 4 leaf agency.
Which one is your favorite?
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