Dito Von Tease: Artist Makes Uncanny Fingerprint Portraits

"In Italian there is an expression: 'hide myself behind my finger,'" the artist known as Dito Von Tease tells Shine. "It's a metaphor to mean a not-very-effective hiding place." However, the 33-year-old native of Bologna turned this idea on its head when he created his "Ditology" series of portraits. Von Tease, who also goes by the name "Il Dito" (The Finger), started the project three years ago, when he first subscribed to Facebook. He decided to design an avatar using a photo of his own index finger and some digital retouching. He says, "I wanted to be free from my role, my oppressive relatives, and my not-very-friends." The burlesque performer Dita Von Teese, whom he calls "an expert in disguises," inspired his alias. He also wanted to explore the idea that we all hide ourselves behind an image we create. Which is your favorite? Please let us know in the comments below.

More on Shine: Worlds Best Father - Photographer Pokes Fun at Distracted Dads