“Queen of the Double Eyes” might seem like a strange nickname, but when you see the work of Toronto-based artist Alex Garant, you’ll understand it perfectly. Garant’s subjects are beautiful women surrounded by a dreamlike blur of colors and shapes, with their facial features refracted and duplicated, as though you’re viewing them through a faceted crystal.

All of my Love

Kaleidoscope Jenna

Blur study 1

Sometimes, Garant’s ladies will simply have an extra set of eyes, but the result is no less startling. The images are created using traditional methods like oil paints and colored pencils, but the duplication of the facial features makes it seem as though the images are vibrating right in front of your eyes. The effect is dizzying, but you can’t look away.

Aura

Ghoul

The Gaze

All of her

In addition to her unique take on the human face, Garant also incorporates patterns and colors that suggest fabric patterns, lace, and architectural details. These details make the subjects seem to fade in and out of their surroundings and heighten their surreal qualities.

The Guardian

All of her spirit

Let it Burn

Garant draws her inspiration from many places, including modern and classic art, retro and kitsch items, and more. This shows in her work, which blends elements of various traditions of art. The classic portraits show glamorous women with a style that would be at home in early Hollywood, but it’s combined with the jarring visual effects of more modern and surreal art movements.

Comet

FOOL

evergreen

The Dream Thief

You can find more work from Garant on her website, and keep up with her latest projects and collections on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. If you’d like a print of your own, they’re available for sale on her site and her Society6 page.