Few things say “Portugal” quite like azulejos. Introduced through Moorish influence, the painted ceramic tiles have covered the walls of palaces, churches, and convents for centuries. So it takes some nerve to mess with them, and Luca Colapietro did it in the most surreal way possible.

Colapietro was born in Bari, Italy, in 1982, and spent his early career in advertising, including a stint as an art director at a multinational in Milan. The idea for Surrealejos came to him in Lisbon, in a dream. He saw a building covered in azulejos, but instead of geometric patterns, the tiles were filled with living, photographic elements. The next day, he decided to make the dream real.

Now, take a closer look at 24 creations by Colapietro, where traditional Portuguese tilework meets a surreal twist.

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In May 2014, the vision became Surrealejos, a name that blends “azulejo” and “surreal.” Colapietro keeps the rigid, geometric structure of traditional tilework but fills it with strange details: wide-open eyes that bring everyday objects to life, gaping mouths hiding parallel universes, and hearts drawn like pulsing muscles. Many of his pieces begin as collages, which he transfers onto ceramic tiles and bakes in an oven. Some tiles stand alone, while others come together as multi-tile panels, and many are mounted on wood and framed like miniature paintings.