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Berlin-based tattoo artist Valentin Hirsch strikes the perfect balance between the chaos of nature and the structure of geometry in his symmetrical tattoos. Meticulously rendered dot by dot in black ink, Hirsch adorns his clients’ bodies with intricate portraits of animals, human skulls, and other elements of nature. But rather than illustrate whole faces, his unique style sees them halved, often framed by geometric shapes, and inked on separate limbs, mirroring the symmetry of the human body.

Despite the fact that the motifs are separated by bold lines and space, Hirsch’s animal subjects live as one on the client’s skin. Whether his tattoos adorn arms, legs, or hands, the wearer can move the two parts together to reveal the full face. While many works depict perfect facial symmetry, others portray animal hybrids or wild beasts juxtaposed next to human components, signifying our connection to nature.

Check out some of Hirsch’s abstract animal tattoos below and find more of his body art on Instagram. If you like his style, you can buy his book titled Symmetries, featuring a compilation of his best work.

Tattoo artist Valentin Hirsch inks tattoos that celebrate our connection with nature.

Each portrait is halved and often inked on separate limbs.

The wearer can move the two parts together to reveal the full design.