Brian Downs Renders Images that Fiddle with Viewers' Perception
Jason Soy — May 2, 2012 — Art & Design
You may be tempted to clean your glasses or rub your eyes when looking at Brian Downs’ illustrations, but that’s a completely normal reaction. The Minnesota-based artist has a collection of images which purposefully incorporates additional identical appendages onto his subjects in order to create an optical illusion effect, whereby the viewers’ eyes can’t completely comprehend what they’re looking at. It’s a weird yet totally gratifying series for those who like to admire art for more than its technical execution.
Brian Downs renders each one of these puzzling images monochromatically. The subjects are also people from decades past, when North American society seemed more innocent. These two things lull audiences into a false sense of comfort that’s then turned on its head once the brain tries to process each visual. The concept alone for these illustrations is clever enough to warrant applause.
Brian Downs renders each one of these puzzling images monochromatically. The subjects are also people from decades past, when North American society seemed more innocent. These two things lull audiences into a false sense of comfort that’s then turned on its head once the brain tries to process each visual. The concept alone for these illustrations is clever enough to warrant applause.
Trend Themes
1. Optical Illusion Art - The rise of optical illusion art could disrupt the traditional art industry by providing a unique viewing experience for art enthusiasts
2. Monochromatic Illustrations - The trend of monochromatic illustrations creates disruption opportunities for industries like graphic design and advertising by offering a new minimalistic approach to their designs
3. Perception-challenging Design - Designers and architects can embrace perception-challenging design as a trend to create interactive spaces and installations that challenge the viewer's perception of reality
Industry Implications
1. Fine Arts - The trend of optical illusion art challenges traditional fine arts, offering new creative opportunities for aspiring artists
2. Graphic Design - Monochromatic illustrations could disrupt traditional graphic design trends by allowing for a more minimalistic approach to designs
3. Architecture - Perception-challenging design can become a disruptor trend in architecture by creating unique, memorable spaces that challenge typical design conventions
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