If you're like me, optical images fascinate you.
In this article, I have selected the most amazing optical illusions for you.
Whether fixed geometric figures that begin to move…
Or impossible-to-build objects that begin to exist...
Or even identical colors that magically look different!
If your vision is playing tricks on you, it's not because you overdid it :-)
Are you ready to discover mind-bending and fun images that play with your mind?
But also to discover how the most fascinating optical illusions work?
Here are 32 incredible optical illusions that will take your breath away (with an explanation each time) . Watch:
Sometimes objects that aren't there start to exist.
Hermann's grid is the perfect example.
This optical illusion is simple:
The dots you see at each intersection do not exist!
They even seem to change shades of gray.
Here is an optical illusion that will drive you crazy!
Some people see it spinning clockwise.
Others in the opposite direction.
Lots of people can even make it change direction!
This is due to the very particular shape of this room.
Trapezium-shaped, it gives the illusion of being cubic if you place yourself at a specific point.
This is how two people placed at the same height look like they are two different sizes.
This effect is often used in cinema, especially in The Lord of the Rings .
In fact, these two yellow lines are the same size…
However, the one above seems clearly longer than the other.
But if you look closely, you'll see that they're both exactly the same length.
Lost, they are both the same size!
The Müller-Lyer illusion is a classic that still puzzles many people.
You still don't believe me? Here is the proof:
These lines appear to slant either up or down.
Curious thing, because all the black and white squares are perfectly square.
Yes, despite what your eyes tell you, all lines are parallel!
Want proof?
Try covering the top and bottom of a row of squares with a sheet of paper.
As you will see, the lines are perfectly straight!
Your brain thinks there is a black dot inside every white dot.
But if you focus on a single white point, you will see the black point disappear!
If you look closely, you have the impression that these circular figures are starting to turn.
And yet, I promise you:they are fixed!
As soon as you direct your gaze towards one of the circles that seem to turn...
Those around him also begin to spin. We don't know where to look anymore!
It looks like the background is spinning around the circle…
But in reality, this image is totally static.
Looks like the background under the ball is moving down…
It looks a bit like a treadmill in slow motion.
But I promise you:this image is indeed fixed!
Your brain is playing tricks on you! These are just small circles…
However, they seem to form small waves that start to move.
Especially if you move the image on the screen a little.
And yet the image is fixed!
With optical illusions like this, it feels like you're in Woodstock.
A truly impressive optical illusion:
Impossible to guess if this image is right side up or upside down!
Not only are they exactly the same size, but their top and bottom are also perfectly aligned.
Did you say the one on the right? It's lost!
The orange dots in this image are exactly the same size.
This is called the Ebbinghaus illusion.
Because of the size of the dots around them, it looks like the one on the left is smaller.
Here is a video to understand how it works in real time:
At first glance, you can clearly see the 4 large diamonds in this image.
But look a little closer, and you'll see they don't exist!
Indeed, there is not a single line that truly defines these shapes.
The lines that form these squares are completely straight.
Yes, even those in the middle!
It's the mini squares inside the squares that distort the lines and make them look curved.
As surprising as it may seem, the answer is yes!
The column is slightly off-center, so it looks like the lines of the arch are misaligned.
But in reality, they come together.
Did you say four? It turns out that there are only three colors in this image!
The square at the top right of the image appears to be made up of blue and pink stripes.
As for the bottom left one, it looks like it has green and orange stripes.
But, believe it or not, "blue" and "green" are actually the same color!
This optical illusion is one of my favorites.
In fact squares A and B are the same color!
It's just the shadow of the green cylinder that makes us think they are different colors.
The correct answer is neither!
Take a closer look and you'll see that both pears are exactly the same color!
Here is an optical illusion with a hidden drawing.
Try to shake your head from right to left and you will see an animal appear.
Look at the shape in the foreground of this 16 th painting century.
At first glance, it looks like a cuttlebone.
But looking at it at an angle, the image transforms before your eyes… into a human skull!
It's an optical illusion trompe-l'oeil .
This amazing painting technique is called an anamorphosis.
You can admire it in this video:
Do you also see slight color differences?
Well no ! It turns out that all of these balls are actually the same color.
Once again, your vision is playing tricks on you!
This is an example of a classic optical illusion, known as the Munker-White illusion.
But admit it:even knowing it, you have a hard time believing me!
No, this image is not a GIF!
Although it looks like you're seeing multiple swirling circles, this image is actually completely static!
It is a variant of the famous optical illusion "Spinning Snakes", created by the Japanese professor Akiyoshi Kitaoka.
Here is the original version of this "infinity" optical illusion:
Try this fun trick:
If you stare at a part of the image without blinking, it stops "swirling".
But in your peripheral vision, the circles continue to "move".
Another cat photo that has gone viral on the internet.
But this time, it's not because he strikes a pose like a model...
This is because it is impossible to guess whether this cat is going up or down the stairs.
This floor was designed by a tiling company to prevent people from running in the hallways.
The illusion only works if one is facing the hallway entrance.
And if you put yourself at the other end of the corridor, the hollow disappears. Fascinating!
Well, for once, it's not complicated.
You clearly see the picture of a beautiful spiral, there is nothing more to say.
Unless… BUT NO!
Try running your finger along the entire length of the spiral.
And you will quickly see that there is something wrong.
This is the Fraser spiral illusion.
Despite what you think you see, this "spiral" is actually a series of concentric circles.
It's amazing, don't you think? By the way, speaking of legs…
At first glance, the answer seems obvious.
But looking at the image more closely, the optical illusion begins to take effect.
That's because artist Roger Shepard left a void under the elephant.
That's what tricks your brain into thinking that this elephant has a bad leg problem.
Still puzzled? Hide the feet with your hand or a sheet of paper... and you will see that it does indeed have four legs!
It is part of the optical illusions to be printed. Try it with your kids :-)
Don't stare at this item for too long, or you might get a headache!
This illusion is called the impossible trident, with 3 cylindrical arms on one side and 2 square arms on the other.
Each side has a meaning, but seen in full, the object becomes impossible to see.
It's really disturbing, isn't it?
You don't believe me?
Try to stare at just one part of the image and it will stop moving.
