London Moving Eye Illusion
Item number: 10202
Amazing Visual Illusions – please read on and let us explain.
Brand new and totally original - it’s very unlikely you will have seen anything like this before and
a debate has been bubbling away at Hawkin HQ for the last few weeks over whether we can explain their unique 3D visual effects well enough to sell them. Initially, everyone agreed – they are a genuine curiosity, never seen before and very reasonably priced. In fact, the perfect Hawkin product. The problem is the visual effect is 3 dimensional – very hard to demonstrate on a flat page or screen. But we like a challenge and they are so good, we’ve decided we just have to try.
The pictures measure 65x30cm and each is formed from 3 convex card panels. The illusion tricks the eye by placing smaller graphics closer to the viewer and large graphics further away (the opposite of what our brain accepts as normal). We’ve made it sound simple (apparently it’s not easy to achieve), but the resulting effect is completely unexpected and unlike anything you are likely to have experienced before. Not only do you get a sudden sense of depth (in the opposite direction to which you might expect), but the real magic is when the image appears to move, rotating and changing perspective in line with the smallest movement of your head. It’s very strange and even slightly unnerving as the brain simply makes up something that doesn’t exist, to cope with what it can’t understand.
Click here
to view the London moving eye illusion video.
Any comparison to the Magic Eye pictures that were so popular in the 80s should be avoided. The effect is completely different and, unlike Magic Eye, everyone can see it – although the more you practice the easier it is. Although rarely seen, the technique (known as reverse perspective) is not completely new - artists such as Patrick Hughes, with pieces appearing in the Tate Modern and the British Library, have been working with it since the 1960’s. Unfortunately the average Hughes painting sells for £40,000! At just £9.99 each, this is the first time a piece of art using the technique is available at a price affordable for anyone who is intrigued by such things or would like to give them as an unusual gift. Not only are they stylish, but certain to make a unique conversation piece in any home or work place. Each picture is supplied flat packed, although they simply slot together without gluing and poster holders are provided allowing the pictures to hang or lean.
The London landscape version brings the famous landmarks to life, including the Tower of London, the iconic St. Paul’s, the Millenium Eye, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge. The magic of the illusion gives the architecture depth and almost a sense of looking through a window into reality.
We can do no better than to finish with the words of Fergus Sullivan who, inspired by the work of Patrick Hughes, formed a team of photographers and artists to develop the technique and which has recently led to the release of this unique design.
“There seems to be an inherent joy in the sense of being fooled. I really enjoy sharing the illusion - it always puts a smile on people's faces.”
Have we convinced you? If not, please trust us – we promise you won’t be disappointed.
Click here for Trick of the Eye Illusion