It’s a mirror made of wood. As mad as it sounds, it actually works:

Environmental Graffiti explains how it works:

The concept is simple but formidably clever: a tiny camera gathers light and shape data, before sending it to a computer that processes it and uses hundreds of tiny electric motors to shift the wood blocks into the image in front of the device. Subtle gradations of shade are achieved by both the natural grain of the wood and the angle at which they are displayed, casting shadow if necessary.

In other words, giant wooden pixels. While not useful enough to shave or do your makeup in it’s still remarkable seeing how people get transformed into a wooden pattern. However what really wins it for me is how wonderfully kinetic the “mirror” is – continually updating the image it is “reflecting”. This video shows how it in full operation – it’s surprisingly responsive and constantly making an ethereal fluttering noise as the little wooden blocks rotate to form the patterns required, which is quite relaxing in a way:

The end result is mesmerising and compelling, not least because of the paradox being set up: It’s one of the oldest mediums of expression in the world – wood – being used as part of one of the newest – digital data. An inventive take on modern technology, and artist Danny Rozen’s dedication and workmanship are to be commended as well.