home Audience 5 Optical illusion drawings. Classic optical illusions. Why does a person see illusions?

Optical illusion drawings. Classic optical illusions. Why does a person see illusions?

A selection of optical illusions and double-digit pictures.

The eyes are complex mechanism, which helps a person to correctly perceive the world around him. But as practice shows, even such a seemingly perfect mechanism can be easily deceived.

This can be done using color contrasts, sharply changing proportions and various kinds small details. Thanks to all this, the human eye will see an optical illusion that changes depending on the angle at which you look at it.

What is visual illusion, optical illusion, surrealism?

Optical illusion

Optical illusion ( visual illusion vision)- this is an incorrect perception of certain pictures or surrounding objects by the eyes. In this case, the eyes see the image a little differently than the brain tells them. The correct background, depth and geometric shapes arranged in a certain sequence help to achieve a similar effect in the picture.

All these little tricks prevent the eyes from correctly scanning the image in front of them, and as a result, the brain forces the person to see a distorted picture. This feature human eye Surrealist artists take full advantage of this and try to surprise people with paintings that have a special meaning. That is why surrealism can also be classified as an optical illusion that can provoke a person to strong emotions.

Pictures-illusions for the eyes, optical illusions, and their secrets

Illusion pictures for the eyes

As you probably already understood, illusion pictures force our brain to perceive images not exactly as they look. This happens because the brain also has patterns, and if it understands that the eyes do not perceive the picture quite correctly, it begins to send impulses that make it completely different.

The brain can also be tricked using bright color. If the same picture is superimposed on a different background, then its individual details will be perceived by the eye in a different color.

People are even more misled by pictures that depict geometric shapes that are contrasting in color. At first glance, it may seem to a person that they are located parallel to each other. But in fact, if you look more closely at them, you can understand that they are looking in opposite directions.

And, of course, don’t forget that a loving picture looks different from different angles. In view of this, if you make it contrasting, you will see different depths in it. This can be seen in the example with a contrasting cube.

Complex 3D stereo images for eye training with explanations

Stereo image to improve vision

3D stereo image

3D picture

3D stereo pictures- this is nothing more than the same optical illusions, simply created by alternating dots and textures. Main principle Such pictures are based on the brain’s ability to compare different data and estimate distances to objects, figures and points as accurately as possible.

Such images are very often used for eye training in the treatment of ophthalmic pathologies. According to experts, if a person looks at such pictures for at least a few minutes a day, his eyes will relax properly.

In order to correctly see the stereo image, you will first need to move away from it at arm's length and try to completely relax your eyes. You should try to look through the image. If you do everything correctly, after some time you will see the most realistic three-dimensional picture.

Pictures-illusions black and white, optical illusion with explanations

Three-dimensional picture in black and white

Black and white flats

If you carefully read our article, you probably realized that illusion pictures work best with color contrast. This is why black and white images are the easiest to deceive our eyes. If you just look at the most a simple picture, sustained in this color scheme, you will notice that your eyes jump from one element to another, not knowing where to stop.

That is why, when looking at such an optical illusion, it seems to a person that the figures in the image are constantly moving, floating and moving. If, for example, a portrait of a person is depicted in such a color scheme, then depending on the color it will change both its contour and its shape.

Moving pictures optical illusion with explanation: photo with explanations

Eyes see movement due to correctly selected colors

The good thing about moving pictures is that they create a realistic effect. When a person looks at them, it seems to him that he really sees a waterfall or a sea that sways. The best thing in this case is that a person does not need to take absolutely any action to see everything correctly. As a rule, at the first glance at such a visual illusion, the eyes immediately catch the movement of some individual details.

Geometric moving picture

If it is a geometric picture, it will be created using contrasting shades and identical geometric shapes. In this case, the eyes will perceive it almost the same as a black and white image, making it seem to the person that the drawing is always in motion.

GIFs are an optical illusion

The square can only be seen when turning

The picture shows how you can visually enlarge an object

GIFs, like any other illusion pictures, deceive the human eye and it does not perceive them exactly as it did initially. In this case, everything is built on movement. It is from the speed and in which direction the elements move that a person can see different images.

Also, gifs allow you to visually reduce large objects quite well and enlarge very small ones. This happens by moving closer or further from the object you will be looking at.

Visual illusion pictures of hypnosis: photos with explanations

Optical illusion with depth effect

Hypnosis picture focusing attention on a central point

Hypnosis pictures- these are images that can lead a person into lung condition trance, which helps relax the nervous system. Most often, this effect is achieved with the same contrast and the same type of lines or figures, placed from largest to smallest. Looking at the image, a person tries to understand the secret of the continuous movement of objects in his field of vision.

And the more he tries to solve the riddle of the hypnosis picture, the more he plunges into a kind of trance. If you try long time look into the center of such an optical illusion, then it will inevitably begin to seem to you that you are moving along some kind of corridor or simply falling somewhere. This state will cause you to relax and forget about everyday problems and obstacles for a while.

Double pictures of visual illusions: photos with explanations

The double meaning of minimalism

Mirror optical illusion

The main secret of double optical illusions is the almost complete repetition of all, even the smallest lines. This creates a mirror effect that allows you to create an image that will look different from different angles. In this case, you can combine two completely different designs in the picture, as long as they fit each other perfectly in shape and color scheme.

Also, a double picture can consist of two completely different images, just when you look at it you will see the outlines of the same figure.

Pictures for visual deception for children: photos with explanations

Pictures for visual deception for children

In principle, visual illusion pictures for children are also based on the contrast of colors, the depth of lines and a correctly selected background. It’s just that, unlike images for adults, in this case, upside-down pictures are most often used.

By looking at them, the baby tries to recognize what his eyes actually see, thereby helping him develop logical thinking. And in order to make it easier for small children to perceive what they see, as a rule, the drawings depict animals or plants that are familiar to them.

For example, this could be a drawing that depicts a cat that turns into an angry dog when it turns over.

In addition, children perceive very well pictures in which the same object has different lengths. In this case, the illusion effect is achieved by the correct background and different colors of two figures that are completely identical in shape.

Geometric visual illusion pictures, triangles with explanations

Geometric illusion

Geometric illusions- this is nothing more than an image of objects of different shapes, which the eye perceives not quite as is customary in geometry. In this case, the ability of the human eye to determine the color, direction and size of objects is used.

But if in geometry they are arranged according certain rules, then in this case, for example, a rectangle can be composed of several triangles of different sizes. This illusion is designed so that a person, instead of seeing triangles, will look at parallel lines and try to understand how similar they are.

Also in geometric illusions, contrast in size is very often used. Looking at such an image, a person does not see that the two central circles are the same size. Even when looking closely, he thinks that the circle surrounded by smaller objects is larger than the one surrounded by larger ones.

Pictures of optical illusion with a dress: photos with explanations

Pictures of optical illusion with a dress

If you spend a lot of time on the Internet, then you have probably already come across a picture with a question about the color of a dress. As a rule, people cannot give a definite answer to this question as in different time day they see a different shade of the outfit. What is this connected with? As already mentioned at the very beginning of our article, the human eye is a rather complex mechanism, the main one of which is the retina (responsible for the correct perception of color).

The retina itself consists of rods and cones, the number of which determines how brightly a person perceives a particular color. For this reason, the dress may appear soft blue to some people, while deep blue to others. When it comes to optical illusions, lighting plays a huge role. In daylight it will appear lighter, but in artificial light it will appear much brighter and darker.

Picture for optical illusion – “Girl or old woman”: photo with explanations

Picture for optical illusion – “Girl or old woman”

Each of us has experienced the “Girl or Old Woman” optical illusion at least once in our lives. But, having looked at it, we simply forget about it and don’t even think about why our eyes see such a dual picture. In fact, in this case, completely two different images are skillfully connected to each other in one drawing.

If you pay closer attention, you will realize that one pattern flows smoothly into the other. For example, the oval of a young girl’s face simultaneously serves as the nose of an old woman, and her ear serves as the eye of an elderly woman.

Surrealism tattoo for optical illusion: photos, explanations

Tattoo imitating the flight of a butterfly

Surreal tattoo

Tattoo with volumetric effect

As you probably already understood, an optical illusion is nothing more than a correctly drawn picture. Therefore, if you wish, you can easily get yourself a tattoo in the style of surrealism.

All you have to do is apply it using contrasting colors, the right directions and background. All this will help you create voluminous and even visually moving images on your skin. You can see an example of a tattoo in the style of surrealism a little higher.

Optical illusions of perception in the interior: photos with explanations

Mirror surfaces in the interior

Optical illusions are good because they can radically change any room. Mirror surfaces are considered the simplest visual deception. With their help, even the smallest room will seem huge and bright.

Horizontal lines on walls

Different textures change the space well. If you want to easily stretch the room, then decorate the walls with horizontal lines. If, on the contrary, you need to reduce something, then frame it with vertical lines.

Floating table in the interior

If you wish, you can decorate your kitchen with so-called floating furniture. To do this, you will only need to buy a table whose legs will be made of either transparent plastic or glass.

Hidden doors

Also, if you wish, you can decorate your home with an invisible door. To achieve a similar effect, you will have to install a door with hidden hinges, and then decorate it in the same color as the walls.

Optical Illusion: Dress Form

Optical illusion: color

As you probably already understood, visual deception can help a person make the world around him more organic, and this applies not only to the interior. If you need to correct your figure, you can try to do this using optical illusions. All that will be required of you is to choose the right color and shape of your outfits.

Surrealism in painting: photos, paintings, explanations

Surrealism in painting

Two-faced picture

Optical illusions are very popular among artists. They help them make their paintings deeper and more interesting not only visually, but also semantically. As a rule, for this they use so-called two-faced pictures.

Most often, in this way they try to disguise the caricature. Surrealist artists use a similar technique to create drawings with a triple image, thereby trying to give their masterpiece a deeper meaning. You can see examples of such paintings a little higher.

Paintings in the style of surrealism by Salvador Dali

Tenderness and strength in one picture

Salvador Dali is considered the most famous surrealist in the world. He always painted images in his paintings that made a person far from art think. This is probably why even now people look at his masterpieces with great pleasure and try to understand what the great artist was thinking about when he painted them.

Video: 3D drawings, incredible optical illusions, optical illusions

Illusion is an optical illusion.

Types of optical illusion:

optical illusion based on color perception;
optical illusion based on contrast;
twisting illusions;
optical illusion of depth perception;
optical illusion of size perception;
contour optical illusion;
optical illusion "shifters";
Ames room;
moving optical illusions.
stereo illusions, or, as they are also called: “3d pictures”, stereo pictures.

ILLUSION OF BALL SIZE
Isn't it true that the size of these two balls is different? Is the top ball larger than the bottom?

In fact, this is an optical illusion: these two balls are absolutely equal. You can use a ruler to check. By creating the effect of a receding corridor, the artist managed to deceive our vision: the top ball seems larger to us, because our consciousness perceives it as a more distant object.

ILLUSION OF A. EINSTEIN AND M. MONROE
If you look at the picture from close distance, you see the brilliant physicist A. Einstein.

Now try to move a few meters away, and... miracle, in the picture there is M. Monroe. Here everything seems to have gone without an optical illusion. But how?! No one painted on the mustache, eyes, or hair. It’s just that from afar, vision does not perceive some small details, and puts more emphasis on large details.

The optical effect, which gives the viewer a false impression of the location of the seat, is due to the original design of the chair, invented by the French studio Ibride.

Peripheral vision turns beautiful faces into monsters.

Which direction does the wheel spin?

Stare without blinking at the middle of the image for 20 seconds, and then move your gaze to someone’s face or just a wall.

ILLUSION OF WALL SIDE WITH WINDOW
On which side of the building is the window located? On the left, or maybe on the right?

Once again our vision has been deceived. How did this become possible? Very simple: the upper part of the window is depicted as a window located with right side buildings (we look as if from below), and Bottom part– from the left (we are looking from above). And the middle is perceived by vision as consciousness deems necessary. That's the whole deception.

Illusion of bars

Take a look at these bars. Depending on which end you are looking at, the two pieces of wood will either be next to each other, or one of them will be lying on top of the other.

Cube and two identical cups

Optical illusion created by Chris Westall. There is a cup on the table, next to which there is a cube with a small cup. However, upon closer examination, we can see that in fact the cube is drawn, and the cups are exactly the same size. A similar effect is noticeable only at a certain angle.

Illusion "Cafe Wall"

Take a close look at the image. At first glance, all the lines seem to be curved, but in fact they are parallel. The illusion was discovered by R. Gregory at the Wall Cafe in Bristol. This is where its name came from.

Illusion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Above you see two pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At first glance, the tower on the right appears to lean more than the tower on the left, but in fact both of these pictures are the same. The reason is that visual system treats two images as part of a single scene. Therefore, it seems to us that both photographs are not symmetrical.

ILLUSION OF WAVY LINES
There is no doubt that the lines depicted are wavy.

Remember what the section is called - optical illusion. You're right, these are straight, parallel lines. And it's a twisting illusion.

Ship or arch?

This illusion is a real work of art. The painting was painted by Rob Gonsalves, a Canadian artist, representative of the genre of magical realism. Depending on where you look, you can see either the arch of a long bridge or the sail of a ship.

ILLUSION - GRAFFITI “LADDER”
Now you can relax and not think that there will be another optical illusion. Let's admire the artist's imagination.

This graffiti was made by a miracle artist in the subway to the surprise of all passers-by.

BEZOLDI EFFECT
Look at the picture and say in which part the red lines are brighter and more contrasting. On the right isn't it?

In fact, the red lines in the picture are no different from each other. They are absolutely identical, again an optical illusion. This is the Bezoldi effect, when we perceive the tonality of a color differently depending on its proximity to other colors.

COLOR CHANGE ILLUSION
Does the color of the horizontal gray line change in the rectangle?

The horizontal line in the picture does not change throughout and remains the same gray. I can't believe it, right? This is an optical illusion. To make sure of this, cover the rectangle surrounding it with a sheet of paper.

THE ILLUSION OF A SHINING SUN
This magnificent photograph of the sun was taken by the American space agency NASA. It shows two sunspots pointing directly at the Earth.

Something else is much more interesting. If you look around the edge of the Sun, you will see how it shrinks. This is truly GREAT - no deception, a good illusion!

ZOLNER'S ILLUSION
Do you see that the herringbone lines in the picture are parallel?

I don't see it either. But they are parallel - check with a ruler. My vision was also deceived. This is the famous classic Zollner illusion, which has been around since the 19th century. Because of the “needles” on the lines, it seems to us that they are not parallel.

ILLUSION-JESUS CHRIST
Look at the picture for 30 seconds (it may take more), then move your gaze to a light, flat surface, such as a wall.

Before your eyes you saw the image of Jesus Christ, the image is similar to the famous Shroud of Turin. Why does this effect occur? In the human eye there are cells called cones and rods. Cones are responsible for transmitting a color image to the human brain under good illumination, and rods help a person see in the dark and are responsible for transmitting low-definition black-and-white images. When you look at a black and white image of Jesus, the sticks get tired due to long and intense work. When you look away from an image, these tired cells can't cope and can't transmit new information to the brain. Therefore, the image remains before the eyes and disappears when the sticks “come to their senses.”

ILLUSION. THREE SQUARE
Sit closer and look at the picture. Do you see that the sides of all three squares are curved?

I also see curved lines, despite the fact that the sides of all three squares are perfectly straight. When you move some distance away from the monitor, everything falls into place - the square looks perfect. This is due to the fact that the background causes our brain to perceive lines as curves. This is an optical illusion. When the background merges and we don’t see it clearly, the square appears even.

ILLUSION. BLACK FIGURES
What do you see in the picture?

This is a classic illusion. Taking a quick glance, we see some strange figures. But after looking a little longer we begin to distinguish the word LIFT. Our consciousness is accustomed to seeing black letters on a white background, and continues to perceive this word as well. It is very unexpected for our brain to read white letters on a black background. In addition, most people first look at the center of the picture, and this makes the task even more difficult for the brain, because it is used to reading a word from left to right.

ILLUSION. ILLUSION OF OUCHI
Look at the center of the picture and you will see a “dancing” ball.

This is an iconic optical illusion invented in 1973 by Japanese artist Ouchi and named after him. There are several illusions in this picture. First, the ball appears to move slightly from side to side. Our brain cannot understand that this is a flat image and perceives it as three-dimensional. Another deception of the Ouchi illusion is the impression that we are looking through a round keyhole at a wall. Finally, all the rectangles in the picture are the same size, and they are arranged strictly in rows without apparent displacement.

Illusion is an optical illusion.

Types of optical illusion:

ILLUSION OF BALL SIZE

Isn't it true that the size of these two balls is different? Is the top ball larger than the bottom?

ILLUSION OF A. EINSTEIN AND M. MONROE

If you look at the picture from close distance, you see the brilliant physicist A. Einstein.

The optical effect, which gives the viewer a false impression of the location of the seat, is due to the original design of the chair, invented by the French studio Ibride.

Peripheral vision turns beautiful faces into monsters.

Which direction does the wheel spin?

Stare without blinking at the middle of the image for 20 seconds, and then move your gaze to someone’s face or just a wall.

ILLUSION OF WALL SIDE WITH WINDOW

On which side of the building is the window located? On the left, or maybe on the right?

Once again our vision has been deceived. How did this become possible? It’s very simple: the upper part of the window is depicted as a window located on the right side of the building (we are looking, as if from below), and the lower part is on the left (we are looking from above). And the middle is perceived by vision as consciousness deems necessary. That's the whole deception.

Illusion of bars

Take a look at these bars. Depending on which end you are looking at, the two pieces of wood will either be next to each other, or one of them will be lying on top of the other.

Cube and two identical cups

Illusion "Cafe Wall"

Illusion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Above you see two pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At first glance, the tower on the right appears to lean more than the tower on the left, but in fact both of these pictures are the same. The reason is that the visual system views the two images as part of a single scene. Therefore, it seems to us that both photographs are not symmetrical.

ILLUSION OF WAVY LINES

There is no doubt that the lines depicted are wavy.

Remember what the section is called - optical illusion. You're right, these are straight, parallel lines. And it's a twisting illusion.

Ship or arch?

ILLUSION - GRAFFITI “LADDER”

Now you can relax and not think that there will be another optical illusion. Let's admire the artist's imagination.

This graffiti was made by a miracle artist in the subway to the surprise of all passers-by.

BEZOLDI EFFECT

Look at the picture and say in which part the red lines are brighter and more contrasting. On the right isn't it?

COLOR CHANGE ILLUSION

Does the color of the horizontal gray line change in the rectangle?

THE ILLUSION OF A SHINING SUN

This magnificent photograph of the sun was taken by the American space agency NASA. It shows two sunspots pointing directly at the Earth.

Something else is much more interesting. If you look around the edge of the Sun, you will see how it shrinks. This is truly GREAT - no deception, a good illusion!

ZOLNER'S ILLUSION

Do you see that the herringbone lines in the picture are parallel?

ILLUSION-JESUS CHRIST

Look at the picture for 30 seconds (it may take more), then move your gaze to a light, flat surface, such as a wall.

ILLUSION. THREE SQUARE

Sit closer and look at the picture. Do you see that the sides of all three squares are curved?

I also see curved lines, despite the fact that the sides of all three squares are perfectly straight. When you move some distance away from the monitor, everything falls into place - the square looks perfect. This is because the background causes our brain to perceive lines as curves. This is an optical illusion. When the background merges and we don’t see it clearly, the square appears even.

ILLUSION. BLACK FIGURES

What do you see in the picture?

ILLUSION. ILLUSION OF OUCHI

Look at the center of the picture and you will see a “dancing” ball.

ILLUSION. ILLUSION OF THE COLOR OF WORDS

Say quickly and without hesitation the color of the letters in which the words below are written:

To some extent, this is not an optical illusion, but a puzzle. It is really difficult to name the color of a word, due to the conflict that arises between the left and right hemispheres. The right half is trying to say the color, and the left half is intensively reading the word, because of this, confusion arises in our minds.

ILLUSION-GREEN SHADES

You already guessed that the picture shows not two shades of green, but the same green color.

And you yourself can explain this optical illusion - the brain perceives them as different shades due to the contrast of the colors next to them. To check this, simply cover the environment with a sheet of paper.

PICTURE ILLUSION. SHLINKING TUNNEL

There will be no optical illusions here. To appreciate this illusion, you need to look at the center of the ball for a while.

The picture will reveal its capabilities in a few seconds. You will be able to see the tunnel begin to flash, some will see stronger "flashes". The illusion of flickering in this picture is associated with the peculiarities of black and white vision of the eye. As you know, special cells - rods - are responsible for it. If they are “overstressed,” these cells “get tired” and we see such an illusion.

PICTURE ILLUSION. SEA WAVES ON A PLATE

Look at the picture and you will see the illusion of a wave, as if the image “came to life.” To enhance the effect, you can move your head or eyes to the sides.

This illusion is associated with different colors(white and pink) intermediate links between peas. The white color is visible clearly and brightly, but pink color, when you don’t look closely at it, it merges with the green and becomes difficult to distinguish. And in the picture there is an illusion that the distance between the peas is changing.

PICTURE ILLUSION. SPIRAL GOING TO INFINITY

You ask: “Well, what is the illusion behind this picture? Regular spiral"

In fact, this is an unusual spiral, and it is not a spiral at all. This is an optical illusion! The picture shows regular completed circles, and the blue lines create the illusion of a spiral due to the swirling effect.

PICTURE ILLUSION. CUP OF WINE

What do you see in this picture? What is the illusion here?

If, in addition to the cup of wine, you saw two faces in the area of the “leg” of the cup, looking at each other, you can be congratulated!

TO ARTICLE ILLUSION. WAVY SIDE OF SQUARE

Try and guess what kind of illusion is hidden in this picture.

If you see wavy lines on the sides of the squares, it’s not surprising, because it’s an illusion! Using a ruler, you can determine that the sides of the squares are straight and even.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. HIGH HAT

Estimate the height of the hat and its width and answer the question: “Are segments AB and CD equal?”

I really liked this optical illusion. It's incredible, but the height and width of the hat are exactly the same, i.e. segment AB is equal to CD. Due to the fact that the edges of the hat are curved on the sides, and the person’s face, on the contrary, is elongated, an optical illusion is created that the height of the hat is greater than the width. This can be explained by the fact that our brain takes into account the size of surrounding objects. If you measure the segments with a ruler or simply cover the person’s face with a sheet of paper, the optical illusion will disappear.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. GRAY DIAMONDS

Are all gray diamonds the same color? Isn't it true that the lower layers of the diamonds are lighter than the top?

The color of all diamonds is exactly the same. This optical illusion can again be explained by the environment. Our brain compares objects with the environment, and an optical illusion occurs.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. A GIANT CHASES A Dwarf

Do you think the giant will catch up with the dwarf?

I will not give an answer to this question. But I know for sure that “fear has big eyes” and that these two figures are absolutely identical. Our consciousness is caught in an optical illusion; due to the corridor going into the distance, it perceives that the distant figure should be smaller.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. BLACK AND WHITE DOTS

The correct answer is 0. There are no black dots in the picture, all dots are white. Our peripheral vision perceives them as black. Because at lateral vision there is a displacement of the picture, but when we look directly at the same point, the optical illusion disappears.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. HORIZONTAL LINES

Do you see horizontal lines in the picture?

In fact, all the lines are not only parallel to each other, but also horizontal. You can use a ruler to check.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. SPIRAL

Is this a spiral? Is not it?

Take a closer look and you will see an optical illusion; in fact, these are even circles. But due to the geometric pattern and selected colors, the illusion of shifting lines of circles appears in the mind.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. PINK LINES

The picture shows pink lines crossing each other diagonally. Different shades, right?

In fact, the pink lines are completely identical to each other, they are the same shade of pink. This optical illusion is based on the contrast of colors surrounding the pink lines.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. LADDER

I ask you to answer the question: “Where does the staircase lead, up or down?”

The correct answer depends on which side you look at. If you imagine red as the front wall, then up, if yellow, then down.

OPTICAL ILLUSION. CUTS

Are the lengths of the left and right vertical segments equal?

You can use a ruler and make sure they are equal. Our vision was deceived by the “checkmarks” at the ends of the segments; you can cover them with a sheet of paper and make sure that our consciousness was under their influence.

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Even the most hardened skeptics believe what their senses tell them, but the senses are easily deceived.

An optical illusion is an impression of a visible object or phenomenon that does not correspond to reality, i.e. optical illusion. Translated from Latin, the word “illusion” means “error, delusion.” This suggests that illusions have long been interpreted as some kind of malfunction visual system. Many researchers have been studying the causes of their occurrence.

Some visual illusions have had for a long time scientific explanation, others still remain a mystery.

website continues to collect the coolest optical illusions. Be careful! Some illusions may cause tears, headache and disorientation in space.

Endless chocolate

If you cut a chocolate bar 5 by 5 and rearrange all the pieces in the order shown, then out of nowhere an extra piece of chocolate will appear. You can do the same with an ordinary chocolate bar and make sure that this is not computer graphics, but a real-life riddle.

Illusion of bars

Take a look at these bars. Depending on which end you are looking at, the two pieces of wood will either be next to each other, or one of them will be lying on top of the other.

Cube and two identical cups

Illusion "Cafe Wall"

Illusion of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Above you see two pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. At first glance, the tower on the right appears to lean more than the tower on the left, but in fact both of these pictures are the same. The reason is that the visual system views the two images as part of a single scene. Therefore, it seems to us that both photographs are not symmetrical.

Disappearing circles

This illusion is called "Vanishing Circles". It consists of 12 lilac arranged in a circle pink spots with a black cross in the middle. Each spot disappears in a circle for about 0.1 seconds, and if you focus on the central cross, you can get the following effect:
1) at first it will seem that there is a green spot running around
2) then the purple spots will start to disappear

Visual illusions are an incorrect perception of the surrounding reality. The eye "scans" the image and the brain interprets it differently than what is actually displayed. As a result, a person sees something that is not even depicted.

Visual and optical illusions are one and the same phenomenon. Their history dates back to the ancient Greeks or Leonardo da Vinci. In a sense it is possible say that art works with this phenomenon one way or another.

Most optical distortions are based on entanglement human brain color (for example, the Hermann grid in the illustration on the left) or shape.

A large group consists of ambiguous pictures, where you can see two unrelated plots at once.

And only by focusing on some specific details and alternately switching between them, you can see several different images.

Other misconceptions are based on misconceptions wrong point vision or incorrect spatial perception. Visual illusions include:

Geometric illusions

As the name suggests, geometric distortions do not correspond to the actual geometry of the image, leading to misinterpretation. There is a central theory that is divided into categories:

a) size and direction: the experience we have gained and physiological processes, resulting from our perception, contribute significantly to our misjudgment of size and direction.

The category of distortions we have indicated includes the Sander illusion (in the illustration above): it seems that two diagonal lines in parallelepipeds are different in length - the diagonal in the right one is smaller than in the left one. But in fact, they are the same.

b) size contrast: It seems to us that a circle of a certain given size in a ring of smaller circles has a smaller diameter than exactly the same figure, next to which there are circles of much larger diameter.

In fact, the centers have identical circles.

c) corner: Such images are distorted by viewing angle. For example, the “Zollner figure”. It seems like long diagonal lines that suddenly interrupted by short segments, not parallel to each other.

Changing the direction of segments located at an acute angle to the lines appeals to spatial perception, and the cerebral cortex perceives the picture from a geometric point of view incorrectly.

What is reality and what is illusion? These questions have occupied the minds of sages since ancient times and continue to do so today.

As a result of these thoughts, during the Renaissance, the whole art of anamorphic drawings was born, created with a certain approach based on the effect of optical distortion.

This technique is as old as the hills, but lately it has become more and more interesting. contemporary artists and finds realization in various manifestations.

The most amazing thing about this artistic movement is that the drawings at first glance look completely incomprehensible, deformed, incorrect, and one can only guess what is hidden in the image.

The only thing that will help you see the real plot in this situation is a cylinder with a reflective surface, which needs to be placed in the right place.

Interaction of figures and ground

When it comes to the perception of optical distortion, there is no evidence that there are significant differences between men and women. However, they are perceived differently depending on how old you are.

A small child, not yet spoiled by the world around him, sees swimming dolphins and nothing more. For an adult, there is a factor of surprise here, because what you expected to see is not what the artist actually depicted.

Benefits for science

Although at first glance such pictures are nonsense, just entertainment, but thanks to optical distortions, scientists can most accurately understand how the human brain works.

For example, brain damage can lead to changes in a person's behavior, and a patient's observation of visual distortion can help doctors identify the damaged area.

In the 2010 Illusion Contest, Kokichi Sugihara won first place with his paper structure with four slanted troughs.

It seems that the balls are breaking the laws of gravity and rolling upward, but this is not so.

Brief hallucination

Consider an example of optical distortion that leads to a short-term hallucination.

This video was specifically designed to induce a short-term, naturally induced hallucination. Expand it to full screen and set the highest resolution (720p HD) in order to enjoy the maximum effect.

Read out loud all the letters that appear on the screen and try not to make a mistake. When the video ends, look around you.

Warning: Do not watch this video if you suffer from photosensitive epilepsy.

“Which square is lighter? Which of the two lines is longer? Anyone who has ever encountered such images knows that these are trick questions.

The top circled square on the chessboard seems darker to us than the bottom one. However, both squares are the same color.

Our brain does not compare colors, it analyzes the situation.

Both lines are also the same length. We can measure them manually, because our eyes and brain refuse to believe it.

"Tilted and highly leaning towers"

This is perhaps the most amazing visual trick because it is so simple and yet striking.

Believe it or not, both images of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa that you see next to each other are completely identical.

However, in the picture on the right it looks like it's tilted more, right? The brain assumes that the lines of the towers should converge at one point according to the rules of perspective, and since this does not happen, it considers them not parallel.

Who do you see in the following image: a young girl or a guy?

Richard Russell, who creates visual illusions, has discovered that simply by changing the relative contrast of the eyes and mouth, you can make a girl's face appear masculine. Otherwise both photographs are identical.

Unusual village

The city of Verkoren in the Swiss Alps became the “canvas” for the optical illusion of author Felice Varini in real life.

If you stand at a certain point, you can see circles drawn on top of the houses, and the city itself looks flat, like on a postcard. From other places only fragments of lines and arcs are visible.

Crazy Shapes

So we've seen enough a large number of pictures of visual illusion various types. Mirage images entertain people, but also help explain the workings of the human brain. Every year more and more examples of this phenomenon appear, and individual samples become hits on the Internet.

Finally, watch one more video. Even though you understand how the 3D effect is created, don’t stop your brain from suddenly “clicking” and plunging into creating 3D nuts that aren’t actually there.

Examples of visual illusions in life

You've probably seen visual illusions many times, but didn't know what they were: in school assignments, in job tests, and on various Internet sites. Let's look at the most popular and interesting views visual illusions.

Illusions of visual perception

The main characteristic of illusions is the partial distortion of the shape, size and other parameters of an object. You probably learned about many illusions in school. The most popular: against the background of curves, lines are depicted that appear convex. In fact the 2 lines are parallel. In psychology, this effect is called the Hering illusion (or fan illusion).

In a mathematics textbook you can find variations of this visual illusion. On all of them, the background is lines arranged in the shape of a fan. Such phenomena refer to visual distortions. A mathematical example is the Zoellner illusion. Shown are lines crossed out in small diverging segments. The lines appear to be pointing in different directions, although in fact they are parallel. Illusions include many other effects.

Illusions of size perception. Which square is larger: white on a black background or black on white? Which object is larger: surrounded by small or big circles? These riddles are also in the textbook for grade 2. The answer to both the first and second questions is the same: they are equal. These illusions are based on the fact that light always appears larger. Similar laws of perception are widely used in wardrobe selection and interior design.
Color illusions. Bright pictures are often published on the Internet with a proposal to count how many shades there are in them. The figures are arranged and colored in such a way that it is easy to get confused. The answer is simple: usually only 2 colors are used.
Upside down pictures. Another popular type of Internet entertainment, which you could also find in the textbook for primary class. Portraits of an old woman and a young woman, a student and a professor, a soldier and a horse - all these are optical-geometric illusions. There is a variety - dual images. They do not need to be turned over to be viewed. Step back and see pictures that are not visible at first glance.
“Look at this image for a minute and don’t blink” - perhaps each of us has passed such a test at least once. Such optical illusions have a scientific name - the aftereffect. Examples: a light bulb that “lights up”, stripes that change color, etc.
Moving pictures. If you look at them for a few seconds without looking away, it may seem as if they are moving. This effect is created using geometric shapes arranged in a certain way.

These are the basic illusions, but there are many more. How did they come about? Why can our eye see 2 images in one?

The nature of visual illusions

The phenomenon of illusions is easily explained with scientific point vision. Research Even a schoolchild can create one on this topic. Let us answer the question: what is the structure of the eye? In other words, how do we see? Light passes through the pupil and lens. The impulse is then transmitted to the nerve using the retina. The brain reads this impulse and reproduces visual image. But this image is imperfect: the picture is upside down, blurry and in constant motion. The brain constantly has to correlate 2 images: from the left and right eyes. Therefore, the brain is easy to deceive. This is how illusions arise. There are several basic phenomena, and illusions are their derivatives.

Irradiation. This phenomenon underlies illusions of size perception: squares and stripes on white and black backgrounds. Due to the structure of the lens, light surfaces appear larger to us.
Blind spot effect. Blind spot- This is a small insensitive segment in the eye. That's why sometimes we don't notice some of the images. This effect is the basis of pictures in which one element disappears if you look at it with one eye for a long time.
Astigmatism is a congenital vision defect that occurs in 99% of people. It consists of unevenness of the cornea or lens. If you rotate the image of black lines in front of you with one eye closed, the lines will blur and disappear.
The phenomenon of perceptual readiness. Another name is the illusion of information processing. Surely you have noticed that perception is influenced not only by objective, but also by subjective factors (accumulated life experience, mood, natural influence etc.). Examples of this phenomenon in Everyday life can be found in the work of a proofreader: he finds errors in the text so quickly that to many it may seem like a miracle.

The phenomenon of visual illusions has been known since ancient times. Observing the life of the animal world, scientists noticed an unusual phenomenon. Some animals have an innate ability to adapt to environment, merge with her. For example, white coloring in polar animals (bears, owls), sandy skin color in animals living in the desert (lizards, foxes). The discovery of this feature marked the beginning of the study of illusions. Later this phenomenon received a scientific name - mimicry. It can manifest itself not only in color, but also in body shape and even sounds in animals.

What is the role of illusions in everyday life? Modern research shows that they have a good effect on our health. First of all, exercise is a great workout. eye muscles, improve vision. Secondly, they have a positive effect on our attention.

In addition, illusions are used in many fields: art, fashion, interior design.

The use of illusions in clothing

Surely you have heard that peas and White color plump, and in order to look visually slimmer, it is better to wear clothes with vertical stripes. These are visual illusions in clothing. There are many principles that can significantly improve appearance. This can be achieved using illusions of visual perception.

Having learned to use optical illusions in clothing, you can look new every day, highlight your figure’s advantages and hide flaws. And most importantly, you will begin to treat yourself differently: you will become more confident and happier.

Illusions in the interior

Optical-geometric illusions are very often used by designers to create interiors. Not everyone can afford the perfect apartment. Often you have to find compromises and try to profitably use every meter of space. Optical-geometric illusions can help with this. Which of them are relevant for the interior?

The light one seems bigger. This common rule is known to many. Feel free to buy light wallpaper if you have small apartment. You can add brightness to the interior with the help of accessories. Another trick: make one of the walls in the room contrasting. This trend is increasingly becoming part of the modern design project.
The stripes are lengthened. An ornament of vertical and horizontal stripes will expand the space. In small rooms it is better not to glue striped wallpaper to all walls. Using a small piece will look better. Lines can also be used as a bright element that distracts attention. A painting with a pattern going deep, a wall with uneven stripes - these illusions will steal the spotlight. This way you will hide the imperfections of the room.
3D wallpapers and 3D floors are now at the peak of popularity. They influence the perception of space. In a small room, stick photo wallpaper on one wall: it will greatly increase the space.
Illusions can be the basis for the design of furniture and decorative items. Invisible shelves, a hanging table - these items are a kind of art object in your interior. They attract the eye, and the shortcomings of the room cease to be noticeable.
Lighting effects also affect our impression of a room. For example, if the room has bulky elements, lighting will “lighten” the interior and give it airiness.
Depicting illusions is an excellent option for creating an interesting and unusual interior. A painting, poster, carpet, in which the illusion is hidden, will not only decorate the room, but also provide entertainment for guests. You can spend a lot of time trying to unravel the mystery that the object hides.

Psychology has given us many ways to decorate our homes. The main thing is not to get carried away. Let only one bright element be the main one in the room, and the rest be neutral. Don't forget: home is a place where you want to relax.

Illusions and art

Few people know that illusions in art existed as a separate direction. In the 20th century, op art, or optical art, appeared. Artists belonging to this movement used optical, spatial illusions and many others in their works. The masters saw their goal as making a person’s imagination work and imagining unusual images. The works of this direction seem to play with our vision, deceive it.

To create such effects, various materials are used: glass, plastic, fabric. Disorientation of vision directly affects nervous system person. Therefore, presentations of objects in this direction were often accompanied by scandals: visitors could faint, many began to feel dizzy.

This direction has not lost its relevance to this day. Today, the principles of op art are often used in advertising. You can detect his influence in other areas: photography, sculpture, graphics.

But long before the twentieth century, artists actively resorted to visual illusions, and sometimes made them the basis of their work. Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo became famous for his upside-down pictures. He depicted vegetables, fruits, and flowers so that they would create the image of a person. If the picture is turned over, we will see a still life. Surrealists often used illusions in their work. Some of the most famous: Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali. For example, in Dali’s work “The Vanishing Image,” depending on the angle, the artist’s face or the figure of a woman will be visible. Non-academic geometry, non-existent figures, transformations - these are not full list what the Dutch artist Maurits Escher used in his work.

Modern Art

Tim Noble and Sue Webster are modern British masters. At first glance, their installations and presentations may seem to make no sense. But when light is directed at objects, unusual shadows appear. You can spend a lot of time in the museum looking at them.

Liu Bolin is an artist who does not use conventional materials. The world- here is his canvas. The master selects an object in the city wall (wall, shop, etc.) and merges with it. He does this with the help of assistants: they paint over the artist while he stands motionless for many hours. His presentations are extremely popular on the Internet.

There are several Museums of Optical Illusions in Moscow: not far from Old Arbat, at VDNKh, near the Central House of Art. The very first one (bestmuseum.ru) opened in 2014.