Painting an optical illusion: an agamograph
Optical illusions have always had a special place in my heart. They’re like a kind of magic, inviting us to see the world from a different angle. Recently, I found myself drawn back into this world with the idea of creating an agamograph - a type of artwork that changes as you shift your perspective.
My Fascination With Optical Illusions
For those who’ve followed my work from the beginning, you might remember a creative phase I went through in 2020. That year, I became deeply engrossed in drawing optical effects, using nothing but the raw power of traditional tools. I tried drawing things like neon lights that seemed to glow or glitch effects reminiscent of chromatic aberration, I even attempted to mimic the CMYK dots of printing machines and the RGB pixels of screens.
Although I eventually moved on from that chapter, the ideas for new optical illusions never truly left me. Countless concepts continued to dance through my mind, tempting me to bring them to life. Yet, I didn’t act upon them.
However, some ideas just have a way of clinging to you, refusing to be forgotten. They hum in your mind like a tune you can’t shake. The creation of an agamograph was such a persistent idea and when an example of an agamograph crossed my path again recently - in a storefront display - I knew it was time to bring it to reality.
What’s An Agamograph?
An agamograph, also known as a lenticular effect, is a type of artwork that uses optical illusion to change the image seen in the artwork depending on the viewer's angle of observation. As the viewer moves or shifts their perspective, the image appears to transform or morph.
Agamographs come in various types, with the number of interlaced images varying. The most common type features two images, which is the format I'm particularly interested in exploring.
The Design Idea
What makes an agamograph such a captivating art piece is its unique ability to engage and intrigue the observer. The goal is to spark curiosity. When someone views the artwork from one angle, they should feel an irresistible urge to discover what lies beyond.
Now, it was my challenge to come up with a design that could truly capture this essence.
Here’s the concept I developed:
The idea behind the artwork is inspired by the classic children’s board game ‘Snakes and Ladders.’ If you’re not familiar with it, the game features snakes that act as obstacles to send players backwards, and ladders that allow players to jump ahead on the board.
In my design, titled "no snakes only ladders," I’ve used the game as a metaphor for a positive life philosophy. The idea is to avoid the ‘snakes’ - those negative influences or obstacles that can hinder your progress - and instead, focus on the ‘ladders’ - the positive experiences and opportunities that propel you forward.
Constructing The Canvas
I'm not typically a DIY enthusiast, but for this project, I had to channel my inner Bob the Builder to create a custom canvas.
I started with a standard wooden canvas, which I flipped upside down to transform it into a protective casing for the agamograph. To create the structure for the agamograph itself, I used triangular wooden rods with a 90-degree angle profile. After cutting the rods to the appropriate length, I carefully arranged them within the inverted canvas.
With all the components in place, I secured everything with glue, applied a layer of gesso, and finished it off with a smooth coat of white spray paint.
The Painting Process
For me, the most challenging aspect of an art project is developing a solid idea and translating it into a precise sketch. In contrast, painting usually feels like sailing on smooth waters. However, painting the agamograph was a different story… and turned out to be a frustrating challenge!
The awkwardly sloped surfaces made it difficult to achieve tight linework and smooth shading. To manage this, I simplified the design. By keeping the snake's skin mostly smooth with just a hint of texture on the upper part, the painting became much more manageable.
I adopted a similar approach for the board game. Opting for simplicity, I filled the board with various shades of grey. This blend of tones, in my opinion, fills the space nicely without overwhelming the artwork - and it was easy to paint!
Final Words
This project, which put me into action simply upon seeing a storefront display, has evolved into a deeply rewarding journey far more meaningful than I could have ever imagined.
Shortly after completing the artwork, I had the privilege of showcasing it in an exhibition. Watching people interact with the piece, seeing them pause and connect with it, feels truly special. It was a moment of validation, where the connection between the art and the audience was palpable.
To add to this moment of validation, the artwork found a new home almost immediately during the exhibition. Knowing that it resonated so deeply with someone that they wanted to make it a part of their home is the highest compliment I could receive as an artist.
