Illusion of Motion What is the illusion of

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?