Anamorphic art - optical illusions as an artistic phenomenon

A widespread opinion is that art has something to do with skills. This is also correct, because those who are unable to distinguish the canvas from the brush will probably encounter problems in the production of what is commonly considered "art"

Craftsmanship is required in that classic training in color theory , drawing, image structure and iconography is helpful. But art has a lot more to do with seeing - because it is ultimately the recipient, the viewer who decides what art is (and the market, which is in the hands of the viewer).

See as a physical act

Seeing means that something is perceived with the eyes. This perception is passed on to the brain in the form of electrical signals via the nerve pathways. There, the signals in information on brightness, contrast, color and due to their nature are covered in a distance and size ratings.

The result is the "picture" that we see and (thanks to other nerve pathways, a lot of information stored in the memory and an unconscious thinking).

Projection of an anamorphic picture: 1) Object to be taken; 2) negative cylinder lens; 3) positive cylinder lens; 4) Spherical lens; 5) recording film

But what if the information that the eye perceives does not match any stored perception, so do we "recognize anything"?

Then it is probably a work of art that creators not only brought about manual skills, but also knew about creating illusions. Anamorphic art can be seen in this context .

Long tradition - a historical review

Anamorphoses are not an invention of the 20th century, but go back to a long tradition. Since 1657, pictures that can only be seen from a certain perspective that need a mirror, a prism or a similar distorting aid to recognize than anamorphosis . Of course there was anamorphic art beforehand, it was only demonstrably referred to as such.

The word comes from the Greek and means translation . An anamorphic illusion is an image that has been distorted so that it is not recognizable with the naked eye. In Italian churches of the 17th century there are many representations that can only be seen from a certain perspective or with the help of a mirror or a prism.

The technology (and that's exactly why it is: technical skills) was used to represent the forbidden. Erotic scenes , hidden messages and allusions could be accommodated in this way without being afraid. During the Renaissance , anamorphic illusions were used in ceiling paintings to compensate for irregularities in the subsoil so that the viewer had an even picture.

Challenges from a technical point of view

The creation of anamorphoses requires a deep understanding of perspective and geometry, since the works of art can only be perceived correctly from a certain perspective. Artists have to make precise calculations in order to make proportions and distortions precisely.

Nowadays, many creative minds use digital aids such as 3D software to plan complex designs in advance. In addition, choosing the surface plays a crucial role; Anamorphoses come into their own on levels or slightly curved surfaces.

In the Street Art, walls or floors are often used as a canvas to actively involve the audience in the illusion. The size and shape of the surface significantly influence the perception of the work of art.

Optical illusions find a major role in the graffiti scene The street artist Sergio Odeith (@odeithodeith) from Portugal knows how to deceive the senses. The artist's graffiti actually appear as if they were floating in the air.

Old ham?

No, really not! Anamorphic illusions are implemented in contemporary art in a very amazing way. In addition to more or less simple anamorphoses, which are drawn (partly with the help of technical equipment), some artists work with room installations that are very amazing. Individual parts of the installation are attached somewhere in the room, and the viewer sees no connection between the parts.

The image that is available looks like a puzzle, the parts of which are lying around scattered. However, if you are in the right place of the room, the individual parts compile into a recognizable image, a text message or a recognizable sculpture .

Anamorphic illusions only become really interesting when artists work on several levels - if text messages contain allusions that the viewer has to decipher if the equalized installations or images themselves consist of an illusion or another puzzle.

Impressive works by contemporary artists

In the following videos you can treat yourself to a sample of amazing illusions through anamorphic art:

Truly design

anamorphic Medusa from Truly Design is really impressive . The gigantic portrait painted in the room from Greek mythology is only noticeable from a perspective.

Joseph Egan

The same applies to the typography of Joseph Egan .

What appears at first glance like confused, distorted paintings on walls and ceiling appears only from a single perspective as a perfect, typographic construct.

The graphic designer Joseph Egan, based in London, and his fellow students from Chelsea College of Art & Design, created this impressive anamorphotic typography installation as part of its final exam for the Foundation Degree course. At first I had the impression that it was a kind of glass wall with a text sticker.

d'strict

In Seoul, South Korea's largest advertising screen was used for an impressive artistic staging: a huge, moving ocean case appears on it and gives the impression that it is right in front of a mighty wave in the sea. This impressive illusion, created by D'Srict as part of the "Public Media Series" , uses the latest 3D animations and light games to take the viewer into another world.

The technology behind this optical deception testifies to innovative creativity in the combination of art and technology. Further spectacular illusions are already being planned. If you want to learn more about this, you will find an interview with the animation experts on Bored Panda.

Panya Clark Espinal

Also, the anamorphic street art of the Canadian artist Panya Clark Espinal , which placed optical illusions in Toronto's streets. You can see photos of these extraordinary works at Urban Comfort .

Jonty Hurwitz

Finally, there is Jonty Hurwitz alias the “Artist Scientist Archetype” , as he likes to call himself. With this artist, the works of art only reveal themselves in the reflection of cylinders. In various works, he varies the principle of his anamorphic sculptures to staged them either alone or as part of larger works in different environments.

His current work also includes “Yogi Blanker” , which - implemented by photographs in prints - can be obtained Saatchi Gallery You can find out more about his works at Art School Vets .

Thomas Medicus

The impressive, huge glass cubes by the Austrian artist Thomas Medicus attract the views of the viewers with their unusual aesthetics and innovative technology. Each cube is a masterpiece for itself and reveals a new, distinctive perspective at every turn. As if by magic, a previously coherent picture is dissolved and passes into a completely different motif.

The “Emergence Lab” is a manual anamorphological sculpture by the artist:

This mutual relationship between the object and the viewer creates a unique experience. Thomas Medicus knows how to play with light and transparency. The different images that arise when changing the viewing angle not only reflect the surfaces of the glass, but also the perception of the viewer itself.

The glass cubes become a symbol of the complexity of reality and the variety of human experiences. This interactivity makes the work of art an experience that is amazed to marvel and think.

Anamorphoses draw with Yadegar Asisi

The creation of anamorphosis requires well -founded skills in the perspective representation. Yadegar Asisi devoted himself to this task for an exhibition

What does the future look like?

The creative potential of the anamorphoses is not yet exhausted due to technological progress. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) open up new spaces in which anamorphic representations can be experienced not only on physical surfaces, but also in virtual rooms.

These technologies enable artists and designers to create immersive experiences that are increasingly being used, especially in the gaming and film industry. This creates illusionary spaces that dynamically change the perception of the audience and create emotional intensity.

Anamorphoses could play an important role in everyday life, be it in interactive experiences or as creative elements in digital media.

Make artistic illusions yourself

If you really got a taste and also flows some artistic blood in them, then you may now feel like trying out an anamorphic illusion. Then this video tutorials will help you:

Have fun trying it out!

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/