How Impossible Objects Create a False Impression of Believability Using Visual Illusions of the Familiar

In a rather dimensional episode of VSauce3, host Jake Roper explained the concept of impossible items, how these shapes create a visual illusion that form familiar shapes that put the mind at rest and explained the history of these items using the Penrose Steps (Impossible Stairs) and several works of M.C. Escher. To put a finer point on it, Roper also 3D printed out several impossible items; the Impossible Triangle, the Depth Triangle, Penrose Steps, and the Impossible Cube

impossible objects are shapes that form an inconsistent way, creating a visual illusion, something that deceives our mind by producing a false impression of reality.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.