Visual Perception in 2 Chromatic Worlds

2024, Acrylic on Canvas, 24x30 in, White light, Low-pressure Sodium Vapor Lamp, and Rotary Motor. Music: Robots and Aliens - Joel Cummins

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT Museum Studio and Campton Gallery

December 12, 2024 - March 1, 2025

A remarkable characteristic of human sight is our ability to perceive three-dimensional forms from two-dimensional images. Color and luminance, among other cues, are used by the human brain to infer spatial depth. This painting is two in one. The composition was carefully developed to encode two distinct geometries, one seen in color under full-spectrum illumination and one articulated by the luminance values experienced in the near monochromatic yellow light of the low-pressure sodium vapor lamp. By using alternating light sources and two compositions, this project separates color and luminance stimuli so their contributions to depth and form perception may be studied visually.