The mathematics of sidewalk illusions - Fumiko Futamura

Summary

This video explores the fascinating technique of anamorphosis, a form of perspective art that distorts images so they appear 3D from specific viewpoints. It traces its origins from the Italian Renaissance, highlighting Leonardo da Vinci's groundbreaking work in 1485. The video explains how artists use mathematical principles of perspective to create illusions on two-dimensional surfaces, such as in Hans Holbein's famous painting 'The Ambassadors.' Additionally, it delves into modern applications of anamorphosis, like sidewalk drawings, showing how precise angles and projections can create seemingly impossible, three-dimensional visual effects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anamorphosis is a technique in perspective art that creates a distorted image, which only forms correctly from a specific point of view.
• 😀 This technique has been used since the Italian Renaissance, with Leonardo da Vinci being the first to create an anamorphic drawing in 1485.
• 😀 Classical Greek and Roman artists experimented with perspective, but it was the Renaissance artists who achieved greater consistency and accuracy with mathematical principles.
• 😀 Anamorphosis relies on the projection of a 3D image onto a 2D surface, and it can be viewed correctly only from one precise angle.
• 😀 Perspective art, in general, creates the illusion of depth on flat surfaces by using mathematical rules, such as the concept of the vanishing point.
• 😀 In 'The Ambassadors,' Hans Holbein uses anamorphosis to hide a skull, which only becomes clear when viewed from the side.
• 😀 Artists understand that a perspective drawing is a projection onto a 2D plane, which can be manipulated using geometry and mathematical rules.
• 😀 To create an anamorphic drawing, artists often use tools like grids, light, or strings to project their distorted images onto a canvas at an angle.
• 😀 Anamorphic sidewalk drawings can be created by drawing on a window positioned in the correct perspective, then projecting the image onto the sidewalk using a projector.
• 😀 The illusion of 3D imagery can be created not just on flat surfaces, but also on multiple surfaces or objects, providing a surreal or fantastic effect when viewed from the correct angle.

Q & A

What is anamorphosis?

Anamorphosis is a special type of perspective art where artists represent realistic three-dimensional views on two-dimensional surfaces. This technique creates visual illusions that only appear correctly from a specific angle or viewpoint.

How does anamorphosis differ from standard perspective art?

While standard perspective art uses mathematical rules to represent depth and space, anamorphosis distorts the image in a way that it only appears correctly when viewed from a specific angle, creating a visual illusion of three-dimensionality.

When did anamorphosis first appear in art history?

Anamorphosis became popular during the Italian Renaissance, though the concept was first manipulated by Leonardo da Vinci in 1485. It became widely used by artists like Hans Holbein.

What was the role of Leonardo da Vinci in the development of anamorphosis?

Leonardo da Vinci is credited with creating the first known anamorphic drawing in 1485, manipulating mathematical principles to achieve this optical illusion.

Why is the painting 'The Ambassadors' by Hans Holbein significant in the context of anamorphosis?

'The Ambassadors' is famous for featuring a distorted shape that forms into a skull when viewed from the side, showcasing the effect of anamorphosis and its ability to create hidden images from specific viewpoints.

How does perspective drawing work?

In perspective drawing, objects are represented as they appear to the eye, with parallel lines converging toward a vanishing point. The artist uses these principles to create the illusion of depth and space on a two-dimensional surface.

What is the role of the vanishing point in perspective art?

The vanishing point is where parallel lines appear to converge in perspective art. It is essential for creating the illusion of depth and distance in a two-dimensional drawing.

How can artists create an anamorphic image on a sidewalk?

Artists can project a drawing onto a sidewalk by first creating the image on a window or canvas, ensuring it aligns with the perspective of the surrounding scene. They then use a projector to place the image onto the sidewalk and chalk over it, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality.

What tools and methods do artists use to create anamorphic drawings?

Artists use various tools such as grids, light sources, and projectors to project and align the distorted image onto a surface at an angle, helping create the illusion of a three-dimensional object.

What makes anamorphic drawings so captivating for viewers?

Anamorphic drawings captivate viewers by challenging their perception. The images appear distorted from most angles but transform into coherent, three-dimensional forms when viewed from the correct perspective, creating a surprising and engaging experience.