The Center for Graphic Facilitation

Anamorphic Pavement Art

Julian Beever is an English artist who’s famous for his art on the pavement of England, France, Germany, US, Australia and Belgium.

Beever's drawings are anamorphic and contain a distorted aspect ratio. To accomplish this, he creates compositions completly in diforms that give a 3D image when viewed from the right angle. It is a very nifty trick of perspective.

See for yourself it’s amazing !!!

Image viewed from the "wrong" vantage point.	The same drawing from the "right" point of view!"

See more photos of Beecher's work: HTML gallery or Flash slideshow

[Forwarded by Jay Smethurst of Sente Co.]

The art of anamorphism really evolved as optical devices were developed: mirrors, metal orbs,  prisms, lenses, etc. These enabled artists and scientists to explore the boundaries of what is seen (in terms of optical data) and what is perceived (in terms of cognitive powers) and what is understood (in terms of synthesis and meaning).

HistoryShots

Models, maps and information graphics are powerful tools: They can reveal complexity which underlies the truth, and they can distort history to serve political needs.

NPR's Weekend Edition profiled Lt. William Sibourne who attempted to depict Napoleon's historic defeat by Duke Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. The English government pressured Sibourne to remove 40,000(!) French troops from his historically accurate creation. The act served the policy's of the government and crushed the spirit of the model maker. (LISTEN to full story.)

A modern-day group of historical model-makers have a selection of posters of interest.

These fine graphics are reminiscent of the model re-popularized by Tufte and originally created by Charles Joseph Minard that portrays the losses suffered by Napoleon's army in the Russian campaign of 1812.

Designed by Dan Greenwald and Kimberly Cloutier, HistoryShots publishes history-related prints that tell stories about subjects, time periods and events that inform and entertain. The prints that are content rich, highly illustrative and elegantly designed.