Mighty Optical Illusions » Shigeo Fukuda

Shigeo Fukuda’s “Legs”

Vurdlak — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:55:35 +0000

Late Shigeo Fukuda is missed by many, as he passed away back in 2009. Still, his works continue having life of their own. They even managed to surpass the author himself. One such poster made by Shigeo are the male/female legs I posted below. In its simplicity, this transformation is simply perfect. Just try and think for a second where one set of legs ends and the other begins. I haven’t even started with the philosophical background it holds…

Shigeo Fukuda’s “Encore”

Vurdlak — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:57:19 +0000

Ambiguous Violin Player

Japanese artist Shigeo Fukuda is the most prolific and versatile of all the illusion artists. Fukuda’s sculptures and installments were some of the most important additions to our optical illusions site. It is worth mentioning that his artistic opus is more than incredible, and that his works are displayed all over the world. Still, Shigeo is most known in Japan, where most of his work is on display.

He has created illusionistic art (two-dimensional and three-dimensional) in all manner of categories: impossible objects, ambiguous sculptures, distorted projections, anamorphic art, etc. Additionally, he is the author of three Japanese books on optical illusions.

Ambiguous Piano Player

Now that we have covered some background on Shigeo Fukuda, we may proceed with his installment that deserved today’s spotlight. Title of this ambiguous sculpture is “Encore”. I have included all three photos of this incredible sculpture, each one being taken from slightly different angle. If you observe the first photo (same one that appeared inside your widget), you will see a perfect profile of a violinist playing a violin. Now, looking at the second photo on your right, you may think its impossible this is the very same sculpture pictured in the first photo. Well, I can assure you, it is.

Encore by Shigeo Fukuda

What we are seeing as a result, a representation of a pianist and violinist in the same sculpture when viewed from two vantage points.

“Encore” truly reveals the importance of a vantage point. Further, this sculpture utilizes “visual” vantage points – where understanding can only be accomplished visually. Such works of art make evident how orientation and position can work together to produce more than amazing results. The latter photographs illustrate, in tangible form, the many faces a 3-dimensional work of art may have.

As you have witnessed, this sculpture makes the most of the human visual system, making the surreal exist before our very eyes. Below you may see a gallery with few more photos, taken at on the different location Enjoy!

Gallery for Shigeo Fukuda’s “Enecore”

Amazing Shadow Illusions Collection

Vurdlak — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:58:00 +0000

The summer came, and many of you are probably enjoying sun and recreation. I noticed a slump in our visitor count last few days, so probably thats the reason, at least I hope so. Anyone has an idea how we can bring more visitors to our community? Anyway, thats my problem, and nothing to concern you. I’ll be going to vacation in few weeks, but don’t worry – I’m bringing the laptop with me, so new illusions still will be posted each day. Like they were last year. Am I awesome or what ;) For today, spotted by Dean Bein, here are some of the most amazing Shadow Illusions created by Tim Noble and Sue Webster. Dean Bein “Hi, I don’t know if you’ve done anything on shadow illusions before but these are pretty incredible.” To get better insight how they work, you should watch this video, and see these two articles: Fukuda’s Underground Piano and Shadow Couple illusion

Shadow Sculpture Video Illusion

Vurdlak — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 14:48:00 +0000

Hy everybody, Happy Easter! I didn’t find any easter bunny or easter egg optical illusions, but I found this cool motorbike shadow, done by Master of Deception, Shigeo Fukuda. If your memory serves you well, you will remember that it is the guy who created that strange Piano. It works in a same way as this pile of welded forks, knives and spoons.

When you project a light behind this pile, it casts a shadow that resembles real Motorbike. Check it! I also posted a video of how it looks. As I already wrote, this shadow sculpture of a motorcycle is built entirely out of welded forks, knives, and spoons, and is based on an earlier concept Fukuda exhibited in his 1965 show “Toys and Things Japanese.” Fukuda creates a 3D object in which the shadow, as opposed to the actual form, represents the actual object. Fukuda says that it is extremely difficult to create a three-dimensional object in this fashion that allows light to evenly penetrate in this fashion. This piece utilizes 848 pieces of cutlery. Enjoy your stay! I’m sorry that this video lacks audio. Would be cool to hear some Heavy Metal music in the background. Would match this clip perfectly!

Fukuda’s Underground Piano Illusion

Vurdlak — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:10:00 +0000

If you look in the mirror to the left you will see the reflection of a piano. If you look to the right, you will see a strange construction made out of piano parts, which cast the reflection of a perfect piano when seen from one special viewpoint. Be sure to visit Shigeo Fukuda’s website where you can watch the “Underground Piano Video” along with many other interesting magic tricks and illusion clips.