Geometric Illusions Archives

Where’s My Car?

Hey bud, where’s my car?

In this cool illusion, forced perspective makes it look like these two birds are searching the parking lot for their car.

This is a pretty simple, but cool example of forced perspective. If you are interested learning more about it, scroll down to read some more.

Table of Contents – Where’s My Car

What is Forced Perspective – Where’s My Car?
How does Forced Perspective work – Where’s My Car?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of Forced Perspective
References and Resources

What is Forced Perspective?

The “Where’s My Car” image is created using forced perspective which is a technique in photography, filmmaking, and visual arts that manipulates the perception of depth and space to create an optical illusion, making objects appear larger, smaller, farther away, or closer than they actually are. It is achieved by placing objects at different distances from the camera or viewer and adjusting their size and position relative to each other.

For example, in photography or film, a person standing closer to the camera might appear much larger than another person standing further away, even if they are both the same size in real life. Similarly, a miniature model of a building can be made to appear full-size by positioning it closer to the camera than other objects in the scene.

Forced perspective can be used to create dramatic or fantastical effects, or to trick the viewer into perceiving a scene in a particular way. It is commonly used in filmmaking for scenes where characters interact with objects or environments that do not exist in real life, such as in fantasy or science fiction films.

How does Forced Perspective Work?

Forced Perspective is used to create the “Where’s My Car” image works by taking advantage of the way our eyes and brains perceive depth and distance.

When we look at an object, our brains use various visual cues to determine its size and distance. These cues include the relative size of the object compared to other objects in the scene, its position in the visual field, and the convergence of our eyes as we focus on it.

By manipulating these visual cues, forced perspective can create an illusion that an object is larger or smaller, closer or farther away than it actually is. This is often achieved by placing objects of different sizes and distances in the same shot, and positioning the camera or viewer in such a way that the objects appear to be at the same distance.

For example, in a photograph or film shot using forced perspective, objects that are intended to appear closer to the camera will be placed at a larger scale than objects that are intended to appear farther away. The camera or viewer will be positioned so that these objects appear to be at the same distance, and the resulting image will create the illusion of depth and distance that the artist desires.

Overall, forced perspective is a powerful technique for creating visually striking and engaging images, and it requires careful planning and execution to achieve the desired effect.

Some Similar Illusions – Where’s My Car

In addition the the “Where’s my Car” image, there are several similar illusions that use visual cues to manipulate perception in a way that is different from forced perspective. Here are a few examples:

Anamorphosis: This is a technique that distorts an image or object in such a way that it appears normal only when viewed from a particular angle or with a special device. Anamorphic illusions can be used to create three-dimensional or otherwise impossible images.
Trompe-l’oeil: French for “deceive the eye,” trompe-l’oeil is a technique that creates realistic illusions of three-dimensional objects or scenes on a two-dimensional surface. This is often done in painting or sculpture, and can be used to create the illusion of depth and distance.
Moiré patterns: These are visual patterns that appear when two or more overlapping patterns are viewed together. Moiré patterns can create the illusion of movement or depth, and are often used in textiles or graphic design.

All of these illusions use visual cues to manipulate perception in a way that is different from forced perspective, but they all rely on similar principles of depth, distance, and perception to create their effects.

Discovery of the Forced Perspective

The forced perspective technique used to create the “Where’s My Car” image has been used for thousands of years in various forms of art, architecture, and visual storytelling.

As such, it is not credited to a single person or time period. The earliest known examples of forced perspective date back to ancient Egyptian and Greek architecture, where columns and other architectural elements were designed to create the illusion of greater height or size.

Over time, the use of forced perspective has evolved and expanded, with artists and architects in many different cultures and time periods incorporating it into their work in different ways.

It is a technique that continues to be used today in many forms of art and media.

References and Resources – Where’s My Car

Check out our complete list of illusions.

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion uses forced perceptive to create this crazy effect.

Would you make this drive? Scroll down to see the Storseisundet Bridge from a different perspective that might make you feel differently.

Also, if you would like to learn more about the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion, scroll down to learn more about how it works.

What is the The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion?
How does the The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion work?
Some Similar Illusions
Discovery of the Forced Perspective
References and Resources

What is the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion?

The Storseisundet bridge is a famous bridge located on the west coast of Norway, in the municipality of Ålesund. It is part of the Atlantic Ocean Road, which is a scenic route that runs along the rugged coastline and through several small islands, and is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

The Storseisundet bridge is known for its dramatic curves and arches, which make it appear as if it is rising up out of the water. It is also famous for its optical illusion, where from a certain angle it appears as if the bridge is not connected to the mainland, but rather ends abruptly in the middle of the water.

The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and has been featured in several movies, TV shows, and commercials.

How does the Storseisundet Bridge Illusion Work?

The illusion of the Storseisundet bridge appearing to rise out of the water and not being connected to the mainland from certain angles is an example of a forced perspective illusion. Forced perspective is a technique that uses optical illusions to make objects appear larger, smaller, closer or farther away than they actually are.

In the case of the Storseisundet bridge, the illusion is created by the bridge’s design, which includes several curves and arches. When viewed from a certain angle, typically from the side of the road, the arches of the bridge appear to be much taller than they actually are, which creates the illusion that the bridge is rising up out of the water.

At the same time, the road leading up to the bridge is designed to be narrow and steep, which makes it appear as if the road is rising up to meet the bridge. This adds to the illusion that the bridge is not connected to the mainland, but rather ends abruptly in the middle of the water.

Overall, the illusion of the Storseisundet bridge is created by a combination of the bridge’s design, the road leading up to it, and the viewer’s perspective. It is a great example of how optical illusions can be used to create stunning visual effects in architecture and design.

Some Similar Illusions

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion uses forced perspective which is a technique that can be used to create a wide range of illusions, and there are several examples of similar illusions that use similar principles. Here are a few examples:

Ames room illusion: This illusion is created by building a room that is shaped like a trapezoid, with one corner much closer to the viewer than the other corner. When viewed from a certain angle, the room appears to be a perfectly rectangular shape, but in reality, the walls are slanted and the ceiling is higher on one side. This illusion is often used in movies and TV shows to make actors appear larger or smaller than they actually are.
Forced scale illusion: This illusion is created by placing objects of different sizes in a way that makes them appear to be the same size. For example, a person standing farther away from a larger object will appear to be the same size as a person standing closer to a smaller object. This illusion is often used in photography and art to create interesting visual effects.
Tilted room illusion: This illusion is created by building a room that is tilted at an angle, so that the floor and walls are not parallel to each other. When viewed from a certain angle, the room appears to be a perfectly normal rectangular shape, but in reality, the floor and walls are slanted. This illusion can be used to create interesting visual effects, such as rooms that appear to be sliding or tilting.
Oversized object illusion: This illusion is created by placing an object that is much larger than it should be in a scene. For example, a giant spoon or pencil can be placed next to a person or a building to make them appear much smaller than they actually are. This illusion is often used in advertising and marketing to create attention-grabbing visuals.

Discovery of the Forced Perspective

The Storseisundet Bridge Illusion used forced perspective has been used in art and architecture for centuries, and its origins are not clear. However, it is known that the technique was widely used by Renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Andrea Mantegna to create the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in their paintings.

The term “forced perspective” was first used in the 20th century by Richard Fleischer, a film director, who used the technique in his movies. Fleischer popularized the term and the technique, which involves using optical illusions to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in a scene.

Today, forced perspective is used in a wide range of fields, including film and television, photography, art, and architecture. It continues to be a popular technique for creating stunning visual effects and illusions.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Optical Floor Illusions

Here are a few examples of cool optical floor illusions.

In these illusions, artists have used principles of forced perspective and a touch of anamorphic street art to create an amazing experience.

What are Optical Floor Illusions?
How do Optical Floor Illusions work?
Some Similar Illusions
References and Resources

What are Optical Floor Illusions?

In optical floor illusions, artists have used principles of forced perspective and a touch of anamorphic street art to create an amazing experience.

How do Optical Floor Illusions Work?

Optical floor illusions leverage forced perspective which is an optical illusion that makes objects appear larger, smaller, closer, or farther away than they really are. This is achieved by manipulating the perception of depth and distance by changing the relative size and distance of objects in a scene. The technique is often used in photography and filmmaking, as well as in stage design and architecture.

For example, a common use of forced perspective is to make a small object appear much larger in a photograph or movie. This is done by placing the small object close to the camera and the larger objects farther away. By adjusting the angles and distances between the objects, the illusion is created that the small object is actually much larger than it really is.

Another example is the use of forced perspective in theme park rides, such as Disney’s “Tower of Terror”. The ride uses a combination of props and lighting to make the elevator appear to drop much farther than it actually does, creating a thrilling illusion of a longer freefall.

Overall, forced perspective is a powerful tool for creating visual illusions and is used in a wide range of applications to create dramatic and eye-catching effects.

Optical floor illusions also use principles of Anamorphic street art, also known as 3D street art, which is a type of street art that creates the illusion of three-dimensional objects or scenes on a two-dimensional surface, such as a sidewalk or a wall. The art is created by using a technique called anamorphism, which involves distorting the image so that it appears normal when viewed from a certain angle.

The artist typically sketches the image in a distorted form, and then uses precise measurements and angles to create the illusion of depth and dimension. When viewed from a certain angle, the image appears to pop out of the surface and come to life.

Anamorphic street art has become increasingly popular in recent years, with artists creating intricate and realistic scenes that often incorporate elements of the surrounding environment. Some of the most famous examples of anamorphic street art include Julian Beever’s “Pavement Picasso” series, which features incredible chalk drawings that appear to jump off the sidewalk, and Edgar Mueller’s “Ice Age” installation, which depicts a mammoth breaking through the pavement.

Overall, anamorphic street art is a fascinating and visually striking art form that creates the illusion of depth and dimension in unexpected and surprising ways.

Some Similar Illusions

There are several similar illusions to optical floor illusions that create the perception of three-dimensional images or scenes on a two-dimensional surface. Here are a few examples:

Trompe l’oeil: This is a French term that means “deceive the eye.” Trompe l’oeil is an art technique that creates realistic images that trick the viewer into thinking they are seeing three-dimensional objects or scenes on a flat surface. The technique is often used in murals, paintings, and other forms of visual art.
Forced perspective: As I mentioned earlier, forced perspective is a technique that manipulates the viewer’s perception of depth and distance to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects or scenes. This is often used in photography, filmmaking, and stage design.
Anamorphic art installations: In addition to anamorphic street art, there are also installations that use anamorphism to create the illusion of three-dimensional objects or scenes. For example, some artists create sculptures or installations that appear to be distorted from one angle, but reveal a hidden image when viewed from a specific viewpoint.

Overall, these illusions use similar techniques to create the perception of three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional surface, and can be just as impressive and visually striking as anamorphic street art and optical floor illusions.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Gravity Hill Illusion

Gravity hills, also known as magnetic hills or mystery hills, are areas where the layout of the land creates the illusion that objects, such as cars, are rolling uphill instead of downhill.

This is because the slope of the land appears to be uphill, but in reality, it is actually downhill.

How does the Gravity Hill Illusion work?
Versions of the Gravity Hill Illusion
Illusions like the Gravity Hill Illusion
Discovery of the Gravity Hill Illusion
References and Resources
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How does the Gravity Hill Illusion work?

Gravity hills are typically found in areas with a pronounced slope, where the horizon is obscured by a rise in the land, trees, or other obstacles. This can create the illusion that objects on the slope are rolling against gravity, when in reality, they are following the natural slope of the land.

The illusion of a gravity hill is created by the distorted perception of the landscape caused by the slope of the land and the position of surrounding objects. It is a fascinating optical illusion that has been the subject of many myths and legends. Some people attribute the illusion to supernatural forces or mysterious magnetic fields, but it can be easily explained by the science of visual perception.

Gravity hills work through the distorted perception of the landscape caused by the slope of the land and the position of surrounding objects. The illusion is created when the slope of the land appears to be uphill, but in reality, it is actually downhill.

This optical illusion occurs when the horizon is obscured by a rise in the land, trees, or other obstacles. This can create the illusion that objects on the slope are rolling against gravity, when in reality, they are following the natural slope of the land. The illusion can be so convincing that it appears as though a car left in neutral on the slope will roll uphill, even though it is actually rolling downhill.

The exact mechanism that causes the illusion of a gravity hill is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the distorted perception of the slope of the land and the position of surrounding objects, as well as the position of the observer. The phenomenon is an example of how our visual perception can be easily misled, and it highlights the importance of using scientific measurements and observations to accurately understand the world around us.

Versions of the Gravity Hill Illusion

The following is another examples of the Gravity Hill Illusion

Illusions like the Gravity Hill Illusion

A gravity hill is a type of optical illusion caused by the distorted perception of the landscape. It is a phenomenon where the slope of the land appears to be uphill, but in reality, it is actually downhill, creating the illusion that objects, such as cars, are rolling uphill instead of downhill.

This illusion is created by the slope of the land and the position of surrounding objects, such as trees or hills, that obscure the horizon. The distorted perception of the landscape can be so convincing that it appears as though a car left in neutral on the slope will roll uphill, even though it is actually rolling downhill.

Gravity hills are a fascinating example of how our visual perception can be easily misled, and they highlight the importance of using scientific measurements and observations to accurately understand the world around us.

Some similar illusions are as follows:

The Ponzo illusion is a type of visual illusion in which a pair of parallel lines, or a horizontal bar, appear to be of different lengths based on the presence of a converging or diverging set of lines, often resembling the converging parallel lines of a road or railway track, placed above and below them.

Forced perspective is a technique used in photography, architecture, and other visual arts to manipulate the perception of the size and distance of objects.

It creates the illusion of a larger or smaller object, or of one that is closer or farther away, by carefully controlling the angles, proportions, and placement of objects in the scene.

The Ebbinghaus illusion: This illusion is similar to the Delboeuf illusion but in this case the central circle appears larger when surrounded by smaller circles and smaller when surrounded by larger circles.

The Delboeuf illusion is a perceptual illusion in which the perceived size of a circle is affected by the size of the surrounding circles.

The Occlusion illusion is a visual illusion where an object that is partially obscured by another object appears to be farther away than it actually is. This illusion is caused by the brain’s interpretation of the relative depth of the objects based on their relative size and position. This phenomenon is based on the visual cues that the brain uses to perceive depth, such as relative size, position, and overlap.

The Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic example of size-contrast illusion, in which two lines of equal length appear to be different due to the presence of arrowheads or fins at the end of the lines.

The moon illusions involves the perception of the Moon appearing larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky.

The Kanizsa triangle is a visual illusion that was first described by the Italian psychologist Gaetano Kanizsa in 1955. The illusion consists of a white equilateral triangle that appears to be surrounded by three Pac-Man-like shapes, which are black and have white crescents facing inwards.

All these illusions demonstrate that the perceived size of an object can be influenced by the context in which it is presented, and that the brain uses the size of the surrounding objects as a reference point to judge the size of the central object.

Discovery of the Gravity Hill Illusion

The discovery of gravity hills, or magnetic hills, is not credited to a specific person as it is a natural phenomenon that has been observed and documented by various cultures for many years.

People have been aware of the optical illusion created by gravity hills for a long time and have attributed the phenomenon to a variety of causes, including supernatural forces and mysterious magnetic fields.

In recent times, scientists and geographers have studied the phenomenon and explained it through the science of visual perception and the distorted perception of the landscape caused by the slope of the land and the position of surrounding objects.

However, there is no specific individual credited with discovering gravity hills.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

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Furrow Illusion

The furrow illusion involves a pair of parallel lines presented on a background of radiating lines. When viewed in isolation, the parallel lines appear straight. However, when presented on the radiating background, the parallel lines appear to be curved or bent, following the pattern of the background

The furrow illusion has been used in research to study the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and to gain insights into the way that the brain processes visual information. It is also used in graphic design and other fields as a tool to create interesting and engaging visual effects.

How does the Furrow Illusion work?
Versions of the Furrow Illusion Illusion
Illusions like the Furrow Illusion
Discovery of the Furrow Illusion
References and Resources
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How does the Furrow Illusion work?

The furrow illusion works by tricking the brain into perceiving straight lines as being curved.

This occurs because of the way that the brain processes visual information and integrates information from the eyes with information from other sensory inputs, such as memory and experience.

The furrow illusion is created by a series of parallel lines that are surrounded by other textures or shapes, which cause the brain to perceive the lines as being curved.

The exact mechanism by which the furrow illusion works is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve the way that the brain processes spatial and perceptual information.

Research has shown that the strength of the furrow illusion can be influenced by various factors, such as the thickness and spacing of the lines, the size of the illusion, and the surrounding textures or shapes.

By manipulating these factors, researchers have been able to gain insights into the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and the way that the brain processes visual information.

Illusions like the Furrow Illusion

The furrow illusion is a type of geometric illusion.

A geometric illusion is a type of visual illusion that involves the perception of shapes, lines, or patterns that appear different from what they actually are. I

n the case of the furrow illusion, straight lines appear to be curved, even though they are actually straight. The illusion occurs because of the way that the brain processes the information provided by the eyes, and is influenced by factors such as the surrounding textures and shapes.

Some similar illusions are as follows:

The Leaning Tower Illusion is an optical illusion that involves the perception of the tilt angle of a tower or building.

In this illusion, although the images are duplicates, one has the impression that the tower on the right leans more, as if photographed from a different angle.

Forced perspective is a technique used in photography, architecture, and other visual arts to manipulate the perception of the size and distance of objects.

It creates the illusion of a larger or smaller object, or of one that is closer or farther away, by carefully controlling the angles, proportions, and placement of objects in the scene.

The Delboeuf illusion is a perceptual illusion in which the perceived size of a circle is affected by the size of the surrounding circles.

The Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic example of size-contrast illusion, in which two lines of equal length appear to be different due to the presence of arrowheads or fins at the end of the lines.

The moon illusions involves the perception of the Moon appearing larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky.

Discovery of the Furrow Illusion

The furrow illusion was discovered by the psychologist E. H. Gombrich.

He first described the furrow illusion in 1979, in a paper published in the journal Nature. In his paper, Gombrich described the illusion and its potential implications for our understanding of visual perception, and the furrow illusion has since been used as a tool for research in this field.

Ernst Hans Gombrich (1909-2001) was an Austrian-born British art historian and psychologist. He was best known for his contributions to the fields of art history and the psychology of perception. Gombrich was the author of several influential books, including “Art and Illusion,” which is considered a classic in the field of art history. He was also a founder of the Warburg Institute in London, a research institute dedicated to the study of cultural history.

Throughout his career, Gombrich made significant contributions to our understanding of visual perception and the way that the brain processes visual information. He was particularly interested in the role that expectations, memory, and prior experience play in shaping our perception of the world around us. Gombrich’s work had a profound impact on the fields of art history and psychology, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in these fields.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Pyramid of Giza Illusion

In the Great Pyramid of Giza illusion, when viewing the Great Pyramid from above, the illusion can occur where, the pyramid can appear to be a hollow column or tower, rather than a solid pyramid.

The first view is from directly above the Great Pyramid of Giza. The second from another pyramid shape which, when viewed from the side, can appear like a hollow column.

Pyramid Illusion — Pyramid or Hollow Column?

What is the Pyramid of Giza Illusion?
How does the Pyramid of Giza Illusion work?
Discovery of the Pyramid of Giza Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Pyramid of Giza Illusion?

This illusion occurs when a concave or inwardly curved object, such as a mask or a pyramid, is viewed from a certain angle, causing the brain to interpret it as a convex or outwardly curved object.

In the case of a pyramid, this illusion can occur when the pyramid is viewed from a certain angle that makes the base of the pyramid appear smaller than the top. When viewed from this angle, the pyramid can appear to be a hollow column or tower, rather than a solid pyramid.

How does the Pyramid of Giza Illusion Work?

The pyramid of Giza Illusion works in a similar way to the traditional hollow-face illusion, where a concave or inwardly curved object, such as a mask or a pyramid, appears to be convex or outwardly curved when viewed from a certain angle.

In the case of the pyramid illusion, when the pyramid is viewed from a certain angle that makes the base of the pyramid appear smaller than the top, the brain perceives the pyramid as being a hollow column or tower instead of a solid pyramid. This occurs because the brain is interpreting the pyramid based on the visual cues and perspective it is receiving.

When viewing the pyramid from this angle, the brain assumes that the lines of the pyramid converge to form the apex, as would be the case with a solid pyramid. However, since the base appears smaller than the top, the brain interprets this as the pyramid being hollow, as if it were an open column or tower.

This illusion is a good example of how our brain relies on visual cues and context to interpret the world around us, and how our perception can be influenced by the angle and perspective from which we view an object.

Discovery of the Pyramid of Giza Illusion

No one specific person who discovered the pyramid of Giza illusion, but it’s extremely similar to the hollow faced illusion which was first described by the psychologist James J. Gibson in the 1930s. He was one of the first scientists to study the phenomenon and provide a detailed description of the illusion and its underlying mechanisms. In his work, Gibson emphasized the importance of the visual information that the eyes receive from the environment in shaping our perception of the world, and he suggested that the hollow face illusion was an example of how the brain uses this information to construct a 3D representation of the world.

Gibson’s work on the hollow face illusion was influential in the development of the ecological theory of perception, which argues that perception is not solely determined by the properties of objects themselves, but is also shaped by the context in which they are encountered and the information available in the environment. His contributions to the study of the hollow face illusion and the broader field of perception and cognitive psychology continue to be widely recognized and referenced in the field today.

Pyramid of Giza Illusion – The Hollow Faced Illusion

The hollow face illusion is a type of optical illusion where a concave mask appears as if it is a convex object.

When a person views a hollow mask from the front, the features on the surface of the mask appear to be bulging out, even though they are actually recessed.

This illusion is created by the brain’s interpretation of the visual information it receives from the eyes. The brain uses previous experiences and knowledge to make assumptions about the shape and position of objects in a scene, and in the case of the hollow face illusion, these assumptions lead to a misinterpretation of the actual shape of the mask.

Hollow Faced Illusion
From Wikimedia Commons

Pyramid of Giza Illusion – Similar to the Crater Illusion

The Pryamid of Giza illusion is also similar to the Crater Illusion. The crater illusion is an optical illusion that occurs when looking at a flat image of a crater on a two-dimensional surface, such as a photograph or drawing. The illusion creates the impression that the crater is a raised, three-dimensional object with a convex shape, when in fact it is a depressed area.

This illusion is created due to the way our brains interpret light and shadow on the image of the crater. The brain perceives the light areas on the edge of the crater as raised, while the dark areas in the center of the crater are interpreted as shadows. This creates the impression that the crater is a raised object with a convex shape, rather than a depressed area.

The crater illusion is an interesting example of how our brains use visual cues and information to interpret the world around us, and how these interpretations can sometimes be misleading or incorrect. It is also a reminder of the limitations of our senses and our need to be mindful of the ways in which our perceptions can be influenced by external factors.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Spiral Illusion

This spiral illusion is an optical illusion that is characterized by the appearance of a spiral pattern made up of concentric circles.

The illusion is created by the placement of a series of curved lines that appear to be spiraling inwards, with the center of the spiral appearing to be moving.

What is the Spiral Illusion?
How does the Spiral Illusion work?
Discovery of the Spiral Illusion
References and Resources

What is the Spiral Illusion?

A spiral illusion, also known as a swirling illusion or vortex illusion, is a type of optical illusion that creates the impression of a spiral or vortex shape in a two-dimensional image or pattern.

The illusion is created by using contrasting colors or patterns arranged in a circular or spiral shape. The colors or patterns are designed in such a way that they appear to be moving inwards or outwards, creating the illusion of a three-dimensional spiral or vortex.

One famous example of a spiral illusion is the “Fraser Spiral Illusion”, named after British psychologist Sir James Fraser who first described it in 1908. In this illusion, a series of black and white arcs are arranged in a spiral pattern. Despite the arcs being completely circular and not actually spiraling, the arrangement of the arcs creates the illusion of a spiral.

Spiral illusions are popular in optical art and are often used to create dizzying or disorienting effects. They are also used in scientific studies to explore the way the brain processes visual information and to investigate perception and cognition.

How does the Spiral Illusion Work?

Spiral illusions work by exploiting the way our brain processes visual information. Our visual system relies on a combination of sensory information and cognitive processing to create our perception of the world around us. Optical illusions like spiral illusions take advantage of this by presenting visual information that conflicts with our expectations or assumptions about the world, leading to a distorted or incorrect perception.

In the case of spiral illusions, the contrasting colors or patterns arranged in a spiral or vortex shape create a visual conflict between what we see and what we expect to see. The brain processes the contrasting colors or patterns in a way that creates the illusion of movement, either inwards or outwards, which gives the impression of a spiral or vortex shape.

The brain also uses other cues, such as depth perception and context, to create our perception of visual stimuli. Spiral illusions often use these cues to further enhance the illusion, such as by creating the impression of a three-dimensional object or by using other visual elements to create a sense of movement or rotation.

Overall, spiral illusions work by exploiting the complex processes and mechanisms that our brain uses to create our perception of the world, leading to a distorted or incorrect perception that can be surprising or even unsettling.

Discovery of the Spiral Illusion

The illusion is named after the psychologist James Fraser who first described this illusion in 1908.

Sir James Fraser was a British psychologist who made important contributions to the field of perception and cognitive psychology.

He was born in 1854 and died in 1941. He is best known for his work on visual perception, particularly for his description of the Fraser spiral illusion in 1908.

Fraser studied at Cambridge University and later became a professor of psychology at University College London.

He made a significant contribution to the study of visual perception, and his work on the Fraser spiral illusion helped to establish the field of cognitive psychology, which focuses on how the brain processes and interprets information.

He also made contributions to other areas of psychology such as memory and attention. He was knighted in 1935 for his services to psychology.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Illusion Knitting Bedspread

Illusion knitting is a style of knitting where the pattern created appears to be different from the actual knit structure.

This is achieved by carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches to create the illusion of a more complex pattern or image.

Illusion knitting often employs a technique called slip stitching, where certain stitches are slipped instead of being knit or purled, to create a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

This style of knitting can be used to create a wide range of images and patterns, from simple geometric shapes to more complex designs featuring animals, landscapes, and portraits.

Illusion knitting is a fun and creative way for knitters to challenge their skills and create unique and eye-catching pieces.

How does Illusion Knitting work?
Versions of Illusion Knitting
Illusions like Illusion Knitting
Discovery of Illusion Knitting
References and Resources

How does Illusion Knitting work?

Illusion knitting works by using the properties of light and color to create the appearance of a more complex pattern or image.

The technique employs slip stitching, where certain stitches are slipped instead of being knit or purled, to create a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

By carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches, the knitter can create the illusion of a pattern or image that is different from the actual knit structure.

The final product gives the impression of a two-dimensional image floating on the surface of the knit fabric, creating a visual trick that is both surprising and appealing. Illusion knitting requires careful attention to detail and a good understanding of color theory, as well as the ability to follow a pattern and execute the slip stitch technique accurately.

Versions of Illusion Knitting

The following are other examples of Illusion Knitting

Illusions like Illusion Knitting

Illusion knitting is a visual illusion. It creates the appearance of a more complex pattern or image than what is actually represented in the knit structure.

This is achieved by carefully choosing the colors and placement of stitches to create the illusion of a hidden design that is revealed only when the knitting is stretched or viewed from a certain angle.

The final product gives the impression of a two-dimensional image floating on the surface of the knit fabric, creating a visual trick that is both surprising and appealing.

Some related illusions include the following:

Anamorphic street art is a form of street art that uses optical illusion to create a three-dimensional image when viewed from a specific angle.

Anamorphic street art is often created by distorting the image, so that when it is viewed from a specific viewpoint, the image appears to be three-dimensional and in full perspective.

It is often seen as a way of transforming urban spaces into playful, interactive environments.

An autostereogram is a type of image that appears to be a flat 2D image when viewed normally, but when viewed with a special technique, it appears to be a 3D image with depth and perspective.

Autostereograms are created by repeating a pattern of repeating elements, such as random dots, in such a way that the repeating elements at different depths in the image align with each other when viewed with the special technique. This creates the illusion of a 3D image.

The image below appears as a 2 dimensional flat image, but when viewed using one of the techniques mentioned below, a 3 dimensional shape appears.

Phantograms are 3D images that appear to float in space and can be viewed without special glasses or other aids. The term “Phantogram” is derived from the Greek words “phaneros,” meaning “visible,” and “gramma,” meaning “something written or drawn.”

Phantograms are created by taking two photos of an object from slightly different angles and then printing the images on a flat surface, such as a piece of paper or card. The two images are then viewed together, and the slight differences in perspective create the illusion of depth and the appearance of a floating 3D object.

Persistence of vision is the phenomenon by which the brain continues to perceive an image even after the image is no longer present.

This occurs because the cells in the retina, called rods and cones, take a brief period of time to “reset” after being stimulated.

A color constancy illusion is a type of visual illusion in which a color appears to be different when viewed in different contexts.

For example, the same patch of color may appear lighter or darker when viewed against different backgrounds, or may appear to change color when viewed under different lighting conditions.

The Checker Shadow Illusion is created by a checkerboard pattern composed of squares with different luminance values, the squares that are not directly illuminated by the light source appear darker than the illuminated squares, creating the illusion of shadows.

Edelson-Checker_shadow_illusion — Checker Shadow Illusion

The simultaneous contrast illusion is a visual effect that occurs when the perception of a color is affected by the colors of the surrounding area.

The illusion creates the appearance of a change in the color of an object, even though the actual color of the object remains constant.

Simultaneous Contrast Effect — The center green dot is the same on both sides, but the surrounding color changes the perception

The Neon Color Spreading illusion refers to the visual phenomenon where an area of color appears to spread or “bleed” beyond its intended boundaries.

The Bezold Effect: This illusion is created by placing two or more colors next to each other, and the way they appear to change when they are close to one another.

The Cornsweet illusion is a classic example of a brightness illusion, which is an illusion in which two areas that are physically the same brightness appear to be different in brightness.

The Chubb illusion is based on the perception of brightness and can be observed when a small bright patch is surrounded by a larger dark area, the small bright patch will appear brighter than the same patch surrounded by a bright area.

White’s illusion is a visual phenomenon in which two identical gray bars are placed on a background of alternating black and white stripes.

The gray bars appear to be different shades of gray, with the one on the white stripes appearing lighter than the one on the black stripes.

In the image below, both gray bars have the exact same color.

The Watercolor Illusion: This illusion is created by the way the brain perceives edges of an object. When an object is surrounded by a colored halo, the object appears to have a different color than it actually does.

The Café Wall Illusion is a visual illusion that is created by a grid of alternating light and dark horizontal and vertical lines. The lines appear to be bent or tilted, even though they are actually straight.

Discovery of Illusion Knitting

The origin of illusion knitting is unclear and it is difficult to determine who first discovered or popularized this technique.

However, the style has been around for many years and has been adopted by knitters all over the world. Illusion knitting has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many knitters exploring new and creative ways to use this technique to create unique and eye-catching pieces.

It is likely that the popularity of illusion knitting has been driven by the rise of social media, which has made it easier for knitters to share their work and connect with others who share their interests.

As a result, many different knitters and designers have likely contributed to the development and popularity of this technique including Tunisian Crochet

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

Thatcher Effect Illusion

The Thatcher effect is a visual illusion in which it becomes difficult for the brain to perceive the deformities in an upside-down face. The effect was named after Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, who was used as an example in early studies of the phenomenon.

When the face is upright, the brain processes its features holistically, taking into account the spatial relationship between the eyes, nose, mouth, and other facial features. However, when the face is inverted, the brain has to process the features separately, which can make it difficult to detect subtle changes in the features. In other words, the brain has difficulty recognizing that the features are upside down, and as a result, it fails to detect abnormalities.

The Thatcher effect illusion is often used by researchers to study how the brain processes faces and other visual stimuli. It is also used in psychology to study how the brain perceives and interprets visual information, including the processing of emotional expressions.

How does the Thatcher Effect Illusion work?
Versions of the Thatcher Effect Illusion
Illusions like Thatcher Effect Illusion
Discovery of the Thatcher Effect Illusion
References and Resources
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How does the Thatcher Effect Illusion work?

The Thatcher effect works by exploiting the way our brains process faces. When we see an upright face, our brain processes its features holistically, taking into account the spatial relationship between the eyes, nose, mouth, and other facial features. This allows us to quickly recognize and distinguish between different faces.

However, when the face is inverted, the brain has to process the features separately. This makes it more difficult for the brain to detect subtle changes in the features. The Thatcher effect takes advantage of this by presenting an upside-down face with distorted features, such as an inverted mouth or eyes. When the face is turned right-side up, the brain has difficulty detecting the distorted features and may even perceive the face as normal.

The Thatcher effect is thought to occur because our brains have evolved to process upright faces quickly and efficiently. This processing is largely unconscious, meaning we are not aware of the individual steps involved. However, when a face is presented upside down, the brain has to work harder to process the features separately, and this can lead to perceptual errors.

Overall, the Thatcher effect is an example of how our brains make assumptions and shortcuts to quickly process visual information, and how these assumptions can be exploited to create visual illusions.

Versions of the Thatcher Effect Illusion

The following is the original version of the Thatcher Effect Illusion

Illusions like the Thatcher Effect Illusion

The Thatcher effect is a visual illusion that affects our perception of faces. Specifically, it is a type of face recognition illusion. Face recognition illusions occur when our brain’s normal process of recognizing faces is disrupted in some way, leading to errors or distortions in our perception of faces.

In the case of the Thatcher effect, the illusion occurs because the brain has difficulty processing distorted facial features when the face is presented upside down. This can lead to the perception that the face is normal, even though certain features are distorted.

The Thatcher effect is an example of how our brains can make assumptions and shortcuts when processing visual information, which can lead to perceptual errors and illusions. Understanding how illusions like the Thatcher effect work can provide insight into how our brains process visual information, and can help us develop a deeper understanding of perception and cognition.

Some related illusions include the following:

The hollow face illusion is a type of optical illusion where a concave mask appears as if it is a convex object.

When a person views a hollow mask from the front, the features on the surface of the mask appear to be bulging out, even though they are actually recessed.

Multistable perception refers to the phenomenon in which an ambiguous stimulus can be perceived in multiple, equally valid ways, and one’s perception of the stimulus can switch spontaneously or be influenced by various factors. This is also known as perceptual rivalry, as the brain seems to alternate between different possible interpretations of the stimulus.

One classic example of multistable perception is the Necker Cube, which is a wireframe cube that can be perceived as facing in one of two possible orientations, even though the physical stimulus remains the same. Another example is the Rubin vase, which can be perceived as either a vase or as two faces in profile, depending on which part of the image is given more weight by the brain.

Multistable perception is often studied in the field of psychology and neuroscience, as it can provide insights into the workings of the brain’s visual processing systems and the mechanisms of attention and perception.

Multistable perception illusion — Multistable Perception

Penrose figures are impossible objects that were first described by the mathematician and philosopher Roger Penrose in the 1950s.

They are optical illusions that depict objects that appear to violate the laws of three-dimensional geometry. Penrose figures are typically drawn or represented as two-dimensional images, but they create the illusion of a three-dimensional object that cannot actually exist in the real world.

Some common examples of Penrose figures include the Penrose triangle, which appears to have vertices that join in impossible ways, and the Penrose stair, which appears to be a staircase that goes on forever, with the steps constantly descending and yet never reaching the bottom.

These figures challenge our perception of the world and have been used in art, architecture, and psychology to study the workings of the human mind and the limits of human perception.

The Penrose stairs, also known as the impossible staircase or the Penrose steps, is a visual illusion in the form of an impossible object created by the mathematician and physicist Roger Penrose.

The illusion is a two-dimensional representation of a staircase that appears to ascend or descend indefinitely, yet is physically impossible to climb or descend because the steps are not connected in a logical manner.

It is often used as an example of the type of optical illusion that can occur in the human brain and is used in cognitive psychology to study perception and attention.

Pensrose Staircase — The Penrose Staircase Illusion

The Penrose triangle, also known as the Penrose tribar, is an optical illusion that depicts a three-dimensional object that is physically impossible to construct.

The Rubin vase, also known as the Rubin face or the figure-ground vase, is a famous optical illusion in which the image of a vase can also be perceived as two faces in profile looking at each other.

The duck-rabbit illusion is an optical illusion that is an image that can be perceived as either a duck or a rabbit depending on how the viewer looks at it.

The impossible cube is an optical illusion that depicts a three-dimensional object that is physically impossible to construct.

The spinning dancer illusion is a visual illusion that depicts a silhouette of a dancer spinning clockwise or counterclockwise. The direction of the dancer’s spin can appear to change depending on the viewer’s perception

Spinning Dancer Gif — From Wikimedia Commons

The impossible cylinder is an impossible shape resembling a cylinder similar to the Penrose triangle, impossible cube, and the impossible trident.

The Shepard elephant illusion is an optical illusion that was created by the artist David H. Shepard. The illusion is a black-and-white line drawing of an elephant that appears to be three-dimensional and in motion, despite being a flat, static image.

The illusion is created by using a technique called “anamorphosis,” which involves distorting an image in a specific way so that when it is viewed from a certain angle or perspective, it appears to be in a different form or shape.

Discovery of The Thatcher Effect Illusion

The Thatcher effect was first described and studied by two psychologists, Peter Thompson and Robert Thornton, in 1980. They conducted a series of experiments to investigate how the brain processes faces, and discovered the effect while studying the processing of facial expressions. They named the effect after Margaret Thatcher, the former British Prime Minister, who was used as an example in their initial studies.

The Thatcher effect has since become a well-known example of a face recognition illusion and has been studied extensively by cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists. The effect has also been used in popular culture, appearing in TV shows, movies, and advertising campaigns as a way to create visual illusions and draw attention to the intricacies of the brain’s visual processing system.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.

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Vista Paradox

The Vista Paradox refers to an optical illusion that occurs when observing the portico of the Palazzo Bentivoglio from the Cannocchiale di Bologna, which is a long telescope installed on the terrace of the Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna, Italy.

When viewed through the telescope, the portico of the Palazzo Bentivoglio appears to be closer than it actually is. This is because the telescope compresses the depth perception of the scene, making objects appear closer together than they actually are. As a result, the portico, which is actually quite distant from the telescope, appears to be just a few meters away, creating a paradoxical and confusing perception.

The Vista Paradox is an interesting example of how our perception can be easily fooled by optical illusions, and it is a popular attraction for visitors to Bologna who are interested in visual arts and perception.

How does the Vista Paradox work?
Versions of the Vista Paradox
Illusions like the Vista Paradox
Discovery of the Vista Paradox
References and Resources
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How does the Vista Paradox work?

The Vista Paradox is an example of an optical illusion created by the compression of depth perception when viewing a scene through a telescope. When observing the portico of the Palazzo Bentivoglio through the Cannocchiale di Bologna, the telescope compresses the depth of the scene, making objects appear closer together than they actually are.

The illusion works by combining two visual cues that our brain uses to estimate distance: binocular disparity and monocular perspective. Binocular disparity is the slight difference in the position of an object between the two eyes, which allows our brain to calculate depth and distance. Monocular perspective, on the other hand, is the visual cues that are available to one eye alone, such as the size, shape, and texture of objects.

When we look through the telescope, the binocular disparity is eliminated because we are only using one eye to view the scene. This makes it more difficult for the brain to accurately estimate the distance of the objects in the scene. At the same time, the monocular perspective cues are still present, and they give the impression that the portico is much closer than it actually is.

Overall, the combination of these visual cues leads to the Vista Paradox, where the portico appears much closer than it actually is, creating a sense of confusion and perceptual distortion.

Versions of Vista Paradox

The following are a few alternative views of the Vista Paradox at Palazzo Bentivoglio from the Cannocchiale di Bologna.

The first view gives a perspective on distance when the illusion isn’t effecting the perception:

Illusions like The Vista Paradox

The Vista Paradox is a type of visual illusion known as a depth compression illusion. Depth compression illusions occur when our brain misinterprets the relative distances between objects in a scene, causing objects that are far away to appear closer than they actually are.

In the case of the Vista Paradox, the depth compression illusion is created by the use of a telescope, which compresses the depth of the scene and makes the portico of the Palazzo Bentivoglio appear much closer than it actually is. This is due to the elimination of binocular disparity, which is the slight difference in the position of an object between the two eyes, and the reliance on monocular perspective cues, which are the visual cues that are available to one eye alone, such as size, shape, and texture.

Depth compression illusions are just one type of visual illusion that can occur when our brain misinterprets the visual information that it receives. Visual illusions can be caused by a variety of factors, including the properties of light, the organization of visual information, and the cognitive processes that underlie perception.

Some related illusions include the following:

The moon illusions involves the perception of the Moon appearing larger when it is near the horizon compared to when it is high in the sky.

The illusion is an optical illusion and is caused by the way the human brain perceives size and distance.

Factors such as the presence of foreground objects, the size of the Moon in relation to other objects in the sky, and the relative distance of the Moon from the viewer can all contribute to the illusion.

Despite the fact that the Moon’s size does not actually change, it can appear to be much larger when it is near the horizon than when it is high in the sky.

The Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic example of size-contrast illusion, in which two lines of equal length appear to be different due to the presence of arrowheads or fins at the end of the lines.

The illusion is caused by the way the brain perceives depth and distance, as the converging lines can create the illusion of a receding space, making the upper line appear longer than the lower one, even though they are the same length.

The Delboeuf illusion is a perceptual illusion in which the perceived size of a circle is affected by the size of the surrounding circles.

The Rubin vase, also known as the Rubin face or the figure-ground vase, is a famous optical illusion in which the image of a vase can also be perceived as two faces in profile looking at each other.

The duck-rabbit illusion is an optical illusion that is an image that can be perceived as either a duck or a rabbit depending on how the viewer looks at it.

The Necker cube is an optical illusion that features a simple wireframe drawing of a cube. The cube appears to switch back and forth between two different orientations.

The My Wife and My Mother-in-Law illusion is an optical illusion with an image of a young woman’s face that can also be perceived as an older woman’s face.

The Schröder Staircase is an optical illusion that features a drawing of a staircase. The staircase appears to be either ascending or descending, depending on how the brain interprets the angles of the lines.

Schroeders_stairs — From Wikimedia Commons

The impossible cube is an optical illusion that depicts a three-dimensional object that is physically impossible to construct.

The Penrose triangle, also known as the Penrose tribar, is an optical illusion that depicts a three-dimensional object that is physically impossible to construct.

Discovery of Vista Paradox

It is not entirely clear who discovered the Vista Paradox, as it is not a well-documented phenomenon in scientific literature. However, it is known that the Vista Paradox has been observed and studied by many scientists, artists, and visitors to Bologna over the years.

One of the earliest known references to the Vista Paradox comes from the Italian artist and scientist Lorenzo Sirigatti, who in the 17th century wrote about the strange and perplexing effect of the Cannocchiale di Bologna in his book “The Art of Painting in Miniature.”

Since then, many other observers have documented and studied the Vista Paradox, including the Italian physicist and mathematician Giovanni Battista Venturi in the 18th century, who wrote about the effect in his book “Memorie di Matematica e di Fisica della Società Italiana delle Scienze,” and the Italian physicist and mathematician Carlo Righini in the 19th century, who published several articles on the subject.

Today, the Vista Paradox continues to be a popular topic of discussion and study for scientists and artists interested in visual perception and optical illusions.

The Cannocchiale di Bologna, also known as the Archiginnasio telescope or the Galilean telescope, was designed by the Italian astronomer Giovanni Battista Hodierna in the 17th century.

Hodierna was born in Ragusa, Sicily in 1597 and was a contemporary of the astronomer Galileo Galilei. He was an active observer of the night sky and published several important astronomical works during his lifetime, including “Istoria e Dimostrazioni intorno alle Macchie Solari” (History and Demonstrations concerning Sunspots) in 1653.

Hodierna designed the Cannocchiale di Bologna to be used for both astronomical and terrestrial observations, and it was installed on the terrace of the Basilica di San Petronio in Bologna, Italy in 1655. The telescope consists of two lenses, one concave and one convex, which magnify distant objects and allow them to be viewed through a long tube.

Today, the Cannocchiale di Bologna is still in use and is a popular attraction for visitors to Bologna who are interested in visual arts and perception.

References and Resources

Check out our complete list of illusions.