Illusion of Motion
What is the illusion of motion?
Motion is an important consideration to art. Change and
movement are basic characteristics of existence. Every aspect of
life is in motion.
Harold Edgerton, Making Applesauce at MIT
In art, a sense of motion is created by actual or implied change
of position- Implied motion in drawings, painting, photography or
sculpture is linked with the repetition of shapes, the action of
lines or other rhythmic elements, such as Op Art which is a type
of painting that gives the optical illusion of movement.
Implied Motion
Op Art
Anticipated Motion
Much of the implication of movement present in art is caused by
our memory and past experience. We recognize temporary,
unstable body positions and realize that change is imminent.
Remember diagonal lines imply movement or action. In a
process called kinesthetic empathy we tend to recreate
unconsciously in our own bodies the action we observe. We can
actually “feel” our muscles tense based on things we observe.
This involuntary reaction also applies to static images in art and
thus enhances a sense of motion.
Kinesthetic Empathy
Ways to Suggest Motion
Repeated Figure
One of the oldest devises artists have employed to represent
motion in art is the repetition of the figure. Often the repeated
figure reappears in one unified composition rather than in a
sequence of smaller compositions. This devise was used widely
in Oriental/Asian cultures and was adopted by Western art.
Usually the repeated character wears a distinctive costume or
identifiable color so their repetition is obvious.
Repeated Figure
Cropped Figure
Allen Iverson
Repeated and Cropped Figure
Calvin and Hobbes
Blurred Outlines
When objects move through our field of vision quickly, we do not
get a clear mental picture of them. Details and edges of the form
are lost in the rapidity of movement. Blurred edges serve as an
effective device to suggest flowing or rapid movement.
Blurred Outlines
Gerhard Richter/George S. Boznos
Multiple Image
Multiple image is another device used to suggest motion. When
we see one figure in an overlapping sequence of poses, the
slight change in each successive position suggests movement
taking place.
Multiple Image
Thomas Eakins
Multiple Image
Marcel Duchamp
How is motion suggested in this image?