Lee Wagstaff’s ambitious objective is to produce mesmerizing art that will leave one entranced and asking questions. He utilizes shapes and designs as optical illusions in his pieces, including the image of a woman created from black-and-white lines of different widths – if you look closely enough, only people with high IQs can identify her quickly! His work continues to awe audiences around the world.
According to Current Biology’s research, individuals with a higher-than-average IQ can understand the visual illusion seen in Wagstaff’s paintings. They are able to use their mental constructions and recognize forms within the hidden image which is concealed by the captivating pattern that has been painted on canvas.
A study conducted by Current Biology has revealed that individuals with a strong attention to detail can quickly identify the woman in Wagstaff’s painting, whereas those who may have lower IQs have difficulty piecing together the image within this optical illusion. The research suggests that people capable of perceiving the hidden picture are able to filter out distracting visual information and hone their focus on what is most critical – forming an accurate mental representation of the figure concealed beneath. As such, some online commentators claim that only those with high intellect are able to detect her quickly while others need more time for a deduction.
Through his masterful work, Wagstaff’s paintings give the illusion of movement through their intricate patterns. Viewers often find themselves feeling disoriented as they perceive these optical illusions to be shifting despite them remaining static on the screen.
If you are looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home, look no further than the stunning art pieces from Wagstaff. Prices range from €130-1500 depending on size – offering something for any budget. All paintings can be purchased directly through his website making it easier than ever before to bring beauty into your space!
Wagstaff, a student at the Royal College of Art in London, has crafted his work on exploring patterns and how they have the capacity to alter perceptions. Currently based out of Berlin, Germany – Wagstaff hopes to educate others through his craft by helping them see beyond what is apparent.
As stated on his online biography, “I studied at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art in London and Kyoto City University of Arts, Kyoto, Japan. I have exhibited my body, large-format photographic self-portraits, and graphite works at art and performance venues worldwide. One performance was featured in the Ornament Und Abstraction show at the Beyeler Foundation, Basel, Switzerland, and I was the first Western artist to be featured in the Art Annual, Kobe, Japan.”
His goal, as stated in his mission statement, is: “My works could be seen as a series of proposals which invite further qualification and refinement. I am interested in how art can be used as a tool to reorder the world around me and how this aesthetic order could have a consoling or agitating effect, or even both. A recurring theme in my work is pattern. I am drawn to patterns that predict and perhaps defy cosmic order. When I make art, I think about whether it is still possible to make images and objects that embody ideas of faith, beauty, and truth.”
How do these optical illusions make you feel? Do they challenge the way you perceive reality, or simply leave you in awe of their beauty?
