January 21, 2009 | 9 comments

Sculpting the Impossible: Solid Renditions of Visual Illusions

Artists find mind-bending ways to bring visual illusions called impossible figures into three-dimensional reality.

By Stephen L. Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde   

 
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Resolution to Schepker's "Crazy Crate"

Another view of the “Crazy Crate” shows the method behind the madness. Notice that the illusion only works from a specific vantage point. At any other angle, the illusion fails. Scientists refer to this as the “accidental view,” but there is nothing accidental about it. In order to perceive the illusion, the view must be carefully staged and choreographed or else the audience will fail to see the “impossible” sculpture.

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