As researchers examine our brain’s “perceptual” illusions, artists have always created their “perceptual” reality. From “Anticipating the Future to ‘See’ the Present” by Benedict Carey in June 10, Health section of the NYT, the article explains the brain’s spacial processing power as it interprets patterns and objects.
One example using the radiating lines over the box grid creates the forward motion illusion. Another is the graphic checkerboard and as you lean over the design, it appears to be bulging.
One explanation suggests the brain is parsing the future to understand the present or we use our streaming experiences to fill in the space between the disjointed images. Mark Changizi, one of the researchers has written a book on the subject entitled “The Vision Revolution” due out in 2009.
Thinking about fashion illustration, line, shape and color create spacial illusions. Depending on the placement and combination of shapes, artists convert a 2D plane into a 3D space.
British artist Bridget Riley creates pure optical effects of Op-Art. These “perceptual” illusions are clearly identified in her paintings. This month’s Paris Vogue features one of her Op-Art paintings as fashion continues to play with this relationship. Below are examples of Riley’s work.
