Over the centuries, what is considered beautiful has been determined by many different and ever-changing ideals. The concept of perfection varies around the world, and differs even further depending on the era and the cultural landscape. However, one idea that seemingly persists across the globe and through multiple time periods is that the more symmetrical the face, the more attractive it supposedly is.
According to several studies, a symmetrical face is supposed to denote everything from health and genetic fitness to positive personality traits such as trustworthiness and openness, and is also a factor in attractiveness in both male and female faces. Celebs with very symmetrical faces include actor Brad Pitt, singer Beyonce Knowles and model Kate Upton.
But New York based-artist Alex John is challenging this long-held notion. In his new book Both Sides Of, John has used Photoshop to show the world what faces actually look when they are perfectly symmetrical – and it’s pretty terrifying.
Each photograph is a mirror image of the left and right sides of the face. They are placed next to each other to the show how varied the features on corresponding sides can be, with some people looking like completely different humans altogether.
If symmetry is so attractive, why are these faces so scary? One possibility is that the distorted photographs are too perfect, and appear subtly inhuman.
John’s goal was to prove that symmetry is not an indicator of either beauty or character, and the final images seem to agree.
Scroll down to see more of the interesting and bizarre results!
