Illusion

November 22, 2021

Beautiful ‘Staircase to Heaven’ Sculpture Is Actually a Mind-Bending Optical Illusion

Are you afraid of heights? If not, you might be tempted to climb this staircase to the sky. South African land artist Strijdom van der Merwe is the creator behind Staircase to Heaven, an illusionary sculpture that looks like a set of endless steps that reach the clouds. However, once the viewer views the sculpture from a different angle, the visual trick is revealed. This piece is actually a vertical ladder that’s just 4.5 meters (14.

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June 18, 2021

‘Brocken Spectre’ Is a Rare Yet Beautiful Optical Phenomenon of a Radial Rainbow

Strange, mysterious things can happen in the mountains. Among the more scientifically explainable phenomenon one may encounter at high altitudes is the Brocken spectre. These unnaturally large shadows show up on clouds, shifting fast and decorated with rainbow halos. These shadowy figures are named for the Brocken, a mountain peak in the Harz Mountains of Germany. Due to its height, the peak often extends above low cloud or fog cover.

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April 9, 2021

Mind-Bending Artwork Transforms From One Portrait Into Two Completely Different Paintings

Throughout art history, artists have played with optical illusions to trick the viewers' eyes with mind-bending complex compositions. Self-taught artist Sergi Cadenas takes a unique and thoroughly modern approach to this age-old tradition by creating paintings that contain dual images; they transform as you move from one side of the piece to the other.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.