Kumi Yamashita, whose mind-blowing shadow artworks have been featured before, uses a single, unbroken thread wrapped around thousands of nails to create stunning portraits of women and men.

In the ongoing series entitled Constellation (a nod to the Greek tradition of tracing mythical figures in the sky), the Japanese artist (living and working in New York) uses three simple materials to produce these otherworldly works of art.

Mana, the first artwork featured below, was recently selected as one of 50 finalists for the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition, a triennial event being held at the Smithsonian Museum’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Yamashita’s artwork was selected from over 3,000 entires and is on display at the National Portrait Gallery until February 23, 2014.

For more, be sure to visit Kumi’s official website and Facebook page.

1. Mana, 2011

40h x 30w cm

Wood panel, brads, single sewing thread

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

2. Sachi, 2013

46h x 33w cm

Wood panel, brads, single sewing thread

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

3. Cy, 2011

46h x 36w cm

Wood panel, brads, single sewing thread

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by

4. Erik, 2007

46h x 36w cm

Wood panel, brads, single sewing thread

KUMI YAMASHITA

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5. Mana no. 2, 2013

39h x 30.5w cm

Wood panel, brads, single sewing thread

KUMI YAMASHITA

Website | Faebook Artwork by