Essay 8.1 Perceiving Motion in Static Images
A Japanese psychologist named Akiyoshi Kitaoka has constructed a set of astounding static images that somehow create powerful illusions of motion. One example is shown below (Image 1). We do not know exactly why these work, just that they do. As Professor Kitaoka says, “Should you feel dizzy, you had better leave this page immediately!”
Image 1 “Two Rings”
Note: In most of the images, such as the one shown here, you have to shift your gaze or move your head close and farther from the image in order to experience the illusion. Some (e.g., this one) are easier to see if you can keep your gaze steady and rock your computer monitor or laptop back and forth.