Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

In these Amazing Chromatic Vasarely Illusions, the center shape will continue to shift its shape depending on where you look. Look at the shape and then shift your gaze from one corner to the next. Every time you shift your gaze the shape will shift. Amazing!

If you are interested in learning more about the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion, scroll down to read more about it.

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion
Chromatic Vasarely Illusion


Table of Contents

What is the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion?

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is a visual illusion that was created by Hungarian-French artist Victor Vasarely. It is an example of op art, or optical art, which uses geometric shapes and patterns to create illusions of movement and depth.

In the original chromatic Vasarely illusion, a series of identical, colored squares are arranged in a grid pattern, with each square surrounded by a black and white checkerboard pattern. When viewed from a distance, the squares appear to be arranged in a series of concentric circles, creating the illusion of depth and movement.

What makes this illusion particularly interesting is that it appears to be in color, despite the fact that the squares are all identical and have no color variation. This is because the black and white checkerboard pattern surrounding each square creates an illusion of color contrast, making the squares appear to be different colors.

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is a fascinating example of how our brains can be tricked into perceiving depth and movement where none exists, and how the use of color and pattern can create striking visual effects.

How does the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion Work?

The chromatic Vasarely illusion works by exploiting the way our brains process visual information. Our brains are wired to interpret visual stimuli in a certain way, and the illusion takes advantage of these processing mechanisms.

In the original version of the illusion, the identical, colored squares are surrounded by a black and white checkerboard pattern. This checkerboard pattern creates an illusion of color contrast, making the squares appear to be different colors. Specifically, the checkerboard pattern creates a border effect called Mach bands, which exaggerate the contrast between adjacent areas of different brightness. This effect makes the colors of the squares appear more vibrant and distinct than they actually are.

Additionally, the squares are arranged in a grid pattern, with each square touching the squares around it. This creates the illusion of concentric circles when viewed from a distance, as our brains interpret the edges of the squares as lines that continue around the circle.

Taken together, these elements create the illusion of depth and movement in the chromatic Vasarely illusion. Our brains perceive the concentric circles as moving and receding into the distance, even though the squares are actually flat and stationary.

Some Similar Illusions

There are many other optical illusions that are similar to the chromatic Vasarely illusion in their use of geometric shapes and patterns to create the illusion of depth and movement. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Pinna-Brelstaff illusion: This illusion features a series of spiraling lines that appear to rotate when the viewer moves closer to or further away from the image.
  2. The Poggendorff illusion: This illusion uses a series of intersecting lines to create the illusion that two straight lines are not aligned.
  3. The Zöllner illusion: This illusion features a series of parallel lines that appear to be distorted when they intersect with angled lines.
  4. The Ponzo illusion: This illusion uses converging lines to make two identical objects appear to be different sizes.
  5. The Müller-Lyer illusion: This illusion features two lines of equal length that appear to be different lengths due to the presence of angled lines at the ends of the lines.

All of these illusions, work by exploiting the way our brains process visual information and can be used to create striking and memorable visual effects.

Discovery of the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion

The chromatic Vasarely illusion was created by Victor Vasarely, a Hungarian-French artist known for his work in the Op Art movement. Vasarely was born in Hungary in 1906 and studied art in Budapest before moving to Paris in 1930 to continue his studies. He is credited with being one of the founders of Op Art, a movement that used geometric shapes and optical illusions to create visually striking and often disorienting images.

The chromatic Vasarely illusion is one of many optical illusions created by Vasarely, and it is considered one of his most famous works. The illusion was first introduced in the 1960s and has since become a popular example of Op Art and optical illusions in general. Vasarely continued to create art throughout his life, and his work has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world.


References and Resources

In addition to the Chromatic Vasarely Illusion, check out our complete list of illusions and this awesome Crescent Moon Bridge Illusion and this cool Parallel Lines Illusion and awesome Rotating Circles Illusion and Expanding Contracting Illusion

Chromatic Vasarely Illusion
Chromatic Vasarely Illusion