In the early 19th century photography was not seen as an art form but a way to document life. In fact, it wasn’t until a century later that photography was recognized as art.

Often photography is used in mixed-media art forms such as collage. But a new art form incorporating photography and embroidery has swept the art scene.

Worldwide, artists have different interpretations of embroidered photography. Adding multicolored needlework to black and white photographs, the featured artists below have different interpretations of this artistic medium.

María Aparicio Puentes’ collaborated with several photographers to produce her mixed medium artworks. She creates incredible geometric patterns using needle and colored thread. While all the photographs are black and white, her needlework creates subtle bursts of color in each.

Laura McKellar’s work, on the other hand, focuses on a more embroidered approach, transforming each photograph entirely with the addition of colorful nature-based headdresses and eyeglasses.

Maurizio Anzeri’s work takes vintage portraits and colorfully needles over the faces, making them virtually unrecognizable. Creating a three-dimensional element, each piece utilizes colored thread and impressive geometric needlework.

The work of Toyko-based artist Mana Mortimoto uses embroidery to create abstract works of art. The colorful threading transforms each piece into a different artistic genre entirely.

Image courtesy of (C) Artists; María Aparicio Puentes, Laura McKellar, Maurizio Anzeri, Mana Morimoto