This is very strange.
The “Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh is among the most well-known and cherished works of art in existence. It was finished in 1889, and since 1941, it has been a part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection in New York City. Although it isn’t for sale, there’s a chance it may bring in a billion dollars if it were put up for auction.
It may seem unusual to use such a beautiful piece of art for a parlour trick, but trust me when I say it’s worth it.
Optical illusions can make our brains feel confused, whether they are oases in the desert formed by heat shimmer, an elephant with an arbitrary number of legs, or straight lines that appear crooked. They can also be a tonne of fun, and one in particular that transforms the “Starry Night” artwork into a moving image is really entertaining.
There are two steps to the illusion, which Alex Verbeek posted on Twitter. You look at the painting after spending 20 seconds gazing at the centre of a whirling spiral image. Although staring at the spiral for the full 20 seconds isn’t as simple as it sounds and can cause headaches and eye discomfort, you can definitely still experience the effect.
Watch “The Starry Night” come to life before your eyes by aiming to focus on the spiral’s centre for at least 10 seconds. (By the way, you must first click “play. The spirals must be in motion.)
🎨
The best way to see Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” is to stare at the center of the spiral for 20 seconds and then look at the painting.
RT when it works for you. pic.twitter.com/SsEN8K0nSf
— Alexander Verbeek 🌍 (@Alex_Verbeek) September 15, 2022
Christopher S. Penn’s “Van Gogh’s Starry Night” is published under CC BY 2.0.
Although the effect is short-lived, phew. Our brains are quite odd.
According to a 2009 study by Japanese researchers, the brain continues to process optical illusions’ motion in the same way it does genuine motion. Therefore, if you are prone to motion sickness, don’t be shocked if the moving painting makes you feel a little queasy.
Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” is difficult to imagine being surpassed, yet here we are. A “moving” experience to share with your friends, without a doubt.
