There is perhaps no more sacred of a canvas than the human body. Whether applying makeup, hair dye, tattoos, piercings, paint or other  modifications, our bodies can be instantly transformed into living, breathing works of art. And that transformational magic comes out in full force during Austria's World Bodypainting Festival each July.

At this gathering you'll find some of the most talented artists in the world, all of whom come to compete in 12 different categories, such as Brush/Sponge, Airbrush, Creative Make-up, Special-effects Make-up, Face Painting and the UV Award. Themes such as "Artificial Intelligence" are selected each year to help with the judging process. At the end of each day the models – acting as human art-forms – parade down the catwalk while photographers jostle for position in order to capture the perfect shot. There is big money at stake for the top three photos and award-winning artists.

While the festival was not an immediate success when it was created in 1998, it has since grown to become the biggest and best event of its type in the world, founding the modern body painting art movement and attracting tens of thousands of visitors. Scroll down to view some of the best images to come out of the competitions this year, and you'll see why we think it's so special! Some photos may be considered NSFW.

View more images from the World Bodypainting Festival in 2017, 2016, and 2015.