Art of illusion scene6/2/2023 ![]() In the early 20th century, various Surrealist artists began to experiment with the psychological impact of optical effects in the mind of the viewer. Other artists began to experiment with anamorphosis, or optical illusions which can only be seen from a certain angle, such as Guido Reni’s 17th century Jesus and Mary, which can either depict Jesus or Mary, depending on which angle it is viewed from.Ĭhrist of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí, 1951, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, via Art UK Giulio Romano’s stunning Sala dei Giganti (Room of the Giants), 1530-32, was painted onto the domed ceiling of the Palazzo del Te, creating the astonishing illusion of infinite space crowded with angels and warriors that ascend upwards through the clouds to heaven. But it was during the Mannerist period that optical effects were really pushed in daring new directions, as artists began exaggerating optical illusions and foreshortened effects for dramatic and emotional impact. The dazzling and wonderous Op Art movement has roots in the Renaissance period when the discovery of linear perspective led artists into greater levels of depth and realism than ever before. ![]() Here we examine 7 of today’s most outstanding illusions of the Op Art movement, but first, let’s take a look at the art history that continues to inform the practices of today.Ī Brief History Of Incredible Op Art Illusions Sala dei Giganti ceiling (room of the giants) fresco by Giulio Romano, 1532-34, in Palazzo del Tè, Mantua, via the Web Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. Mathematical precision and an understanding of the science of optics underpins the practice behind many of these works of art, which continue to be expanded in ever more adventurous and astonishing directions. Some have branched out into the city streets to create epic, sublime optical illusions of depth and space, while others transform gallery spaces into immersive and all-encompassing environments. An important strand of art history since Renaissance times, the strange and illusory world of optics continue to fascinate today’s artists, who have created some truly astonishing works of art. Looking at Op Art can be a mind-blowing experience, tricking our eyes into seeing the unbelievable and impossible. Abracadabra? Abracadon’t.Christ of St John of the Cross by Salvador Dalí, 1951 with Zobop by Jim Lambie, 2014 and Abyssal by Regina Silveira, 2010 The frustrating thing is that there’s fascinating stuff here, reality and myth: 20 th-century escapologist Harry Houdini did indeed choose his name in tribute to Robert-Houdin, and stories of early automata and confected visual narratives illuminate contemporary concerns about artificial intelligence and fake news.īut the smugness and the gendered, football-based in-jokes of Michalik’s original have been exacerbated and the subtleties obscured in this misguided production. ![]() The undercurrent of chauvinistic pride in Gallic creativity probably goes over better in Paris, too. Michalik’s point, that magic is the product of craftsmanship, hard work and endless disappointment as well as our collective need for wonder, gets lost. The tricks devised by ‘illusion consultant’ Ben Hart are basic and obvious. The year in which each scene takes place is painted on a prop or a costume. Journeys are indicated by a clippy-cloppy toy coach or a vroom-vrooming car waggled in front of us. The staging would be admirably simple if it weren’t so coarse.
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