Nail art is incredible. It’s amazing how nail techs can make intricate designs and even full-on photographs come to life on a such small surface areas. That’s a skill Juan Alvear, the New York-based artist behind Nails by Juan, is blasting to a whole new level.
His sculptural nail designs convey shapes of beautifully trippy dreamscapes that are far freakier than your average manicure. Alvear's work takes on unconventional shapes and textures ranging from writhing, prickly, spiraling, marbly, and everything in between. Even looks that are low-key and purely polish-based take your eyes for a ride. Peep some of our favorite works below, follow Nails by Juan on Instagram, and keep a look out for more from Alvear, including his own polish line.