Anamorphic Experiences in 3D Space: Shadows, Projections and Other Optical Illusions

Abstract

The paper presents recent research on the reconstruction of Anamorphic effects and other optical illusions, shadows and projections, with the use of CAD systems. The first part of the paper is a bibliographical overview about the appearance of optical illusions in art, ranging from the work of Niceron to the extravagant sculptures of contemporary artists such as Markus Raetz. The second part of the paper reports on an educational approach that introduces anamorphic geometries into the teaching of digital methods of representation at Graz University of Technology. There is an overview of the experiments and methodology for constructing optical illusions in a CAD environment as well as examples drawn from student projects. The paper concludes with some observations and remarks relating to the aforementioned educational experience.