Cell Portraits

Cell Portraits invite you to see the world through a different lens. Inspired by the intricate structures of nature, these portraits transform into flowing organic cell patterns. Using a finely tuned algorithm, the cells expand and contract based on light and shadow. Over time, the pattern ‘crystallizes,’ naturally following the contours of a face—almost as if nature itself had shaped it.

Each portrait is laser-cut from 4mm oak plywood. The material is lightweight and easy to hang—just pick one of the thousands of tiny openings in the design. In my shop, you’ll find icons like Marilyn Monroe and Beethoven, classics like Girl with a Pearl Earring, and even the option to create a custom portrait.

The algorithm behind Cell Portraits is surprisingly versatile. With a few tweaks, I can adjust contrast, cell variation, and overall shape to perfectly match the desired look and application. Even a negative version is possible, allowing dark materials to be placed against a lit background for a striking effect—just like the drum lights I developed in collaboration with Berben Design. But the possibilities don’t stop there: think decorative screens, partitions, or one-of-a-kind design pieces.