MA 256 Creative Geometry
Activity 4: Illusions and Mathematical Models
Name______________________________
Program of Study ___________________
Part 1: Perception
1) Define Perception
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception
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2) List ten different types of perception. Could these be additional dimensions?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Types_of_perception
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3) Perception is not the passive receipt of signals, but can be shaped by ____________,
_________________, and _______________.
[3]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perception
4) List four basic theories of visual perception .
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Activity 1: Mispelled Words. Create a one-paragraph word illusion by using misspelled
words.
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Illusions and Mathematical Models
5) Although the senses were traditionally viewed as passive receptors, the study of
______________and ________________________ has demonstrated that the brain's perceptual
systems actively and pre-consciously attempt to make sense of their input.[3] There is still active
debate about the extent to which perception is an active process of _______________________,
analogous to science, or whether realistic sensory information is rich enough to make this
process unnecessary.
PART 2: Optical Illusions
6) Define Illusion.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illusion
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7) What is an Optical Illusion?
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8) List seven early methods of illusionary techniques to show 3 dimensions.
http://www.psychologie.tudresden.de/i1/kaw/diverses%20Material/www.illusionworks.com/html/illusion_in_art.html
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9) When did the illusion art movement begin?
http://arthistory.about.com/cs/arthistory10one/a/op_art.htm
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Illusions and Mathematical Models
10) What magazine published an article on the Op Art movement that dramatically increased the
interest in illusionary artworks.
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11) What two artists influenced the Op Art movement in the 50’s and 60’s?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Op_Art
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12) Name three other op artists and give an example of their works.
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/optical.html
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13) What are five key characteristics of Op Art?
http://arthistory.about.com/cs/arthistory10one/a/op_art.htm
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PART 3: Geometric Line Illusions
Activity 2:
14) Select five line illusions. List the name, geometric components and the author along
with a brief description of how each illusion was created. Draw the illusion and a variation
of each illusion. Do not us a computer at this time. Do not copy and paste the illusions in.
Find or create each illusion in a real-world context. Use separate sheets of paper and attach
your results to this activity sheet.
Ponzo Illusion Progression
http://www.sdecnet.com/psychology/illusion.htm
http://www.cut-the-knot.org/Curriculum/Geometry/Ponzo.shtml
http://www.illusion-optical.com/Optical-Illusions/LineAnglePattern.php
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/sze_shepardTerrors/index.html
http://illusionism.org/Depth-Perception/Ames+Room/
http://www.hotstockmarket.com/t/81749/20-mind-boggling-optical-illusions
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Illusions and Mathematical Models
Line Illusion Examples
http://www.wyrmcorp.com/galleries/illusions/distort.shtml
http://www.jimloy.com/puzz/illusion.htm
http://listverse.com/2007/09/16/20-amazing-optical-illusions/
Activity 3: Geometric Line Illusions With Grapher
15) Select five line illusions. List their name, geometric components and their authors along
with a brief description of how each illusion was created. Use Grapher to draw the illusions.
Do not copy and paste the illusions in or draw them with a ruler or straight edge and
compass. Use separate sheets of paper and attach to your results to this activity sheet.
Geometric Illusion Examples:
http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/01744/index.htm
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/
Snake Illusion
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/mot_rotsnake/index.html
Part 4: 3D Illusions
16) What is anamorphic art ? _____________________________________________________
http://www.anamorphosis.com/
17) What are the two main types of anamorphosis?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anamorphosis
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18) Where did anamorphic art have its main roots?
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19) What was anamorphic art mainly used for?
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20) What famous artist popularized impossible figures in the twentieth centuty?
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Illusions and Mathematical Models
21) Anamorphic art gave rise to what other present day popular illusion art?
http://www.impactlab.net/2006/03/09/amazing-3d-sidewalk-art-photos/
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22) Felice Varini paints what type of shapes on tunnels, castles, and interiors to create illusions?
http://mathpaint.blogspot.com/2007/03/anamorphic-art.html
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23) What is the Dragon Illusion?
http://www.grand-illusions.com/opticalillusions/dragon_illusion/
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ACTIVITY 4: Geometric 3D Illusions
Complete the Dragon Illusion (Cat Illusion) cutout activity. (see instructor for further
3D paper illusion directions).
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