Deceiving the Senses in the World of ‘’Optical Illusion”

A unique exhibition journey, exploring the intersection of art, mathematics, and human vision, is about to open in Hanoi with ‘Optical Illusion” by Professor Emeritus Sugihara Kokichi. The exhibition invites visitors to discover fascinating optical illusions, revealing the true nature of objects to be vastly different from what the naked eye perceives, such as straight lines of the same length appearing to be different.

Organized by the Japan Foundation – Japan Cultural Exchange Center in Vietnam, the exhibition will officially open at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025, and will run until Sunday, August 24, 2025, open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The event will take place at the Japan Cultural Exchange Center, No. 27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Admission is completely free. Free admission, pre-registration required at: https://forms.gle/VDnEnY1m5v8bxAFb8

Professor Sugihara Kokichi, Professor Emeritus at the Meiji University Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences in Japan, is known as the “Master of Spatial Vision.” He has won the International Best Illusion of the Year Contest 4 times and was runner-up twice, confirming his outstanding talent in this field.

The “Optical Illusion” exhibition will showcase 53 meticulously crafted 3D optical illusion models using trigonometric formulas, featuring high interactivity with perspectives and mirrors. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire characteristic works such as: “A Circle from This Side – A Chain of Squares from the Other Side,” “The Fish Touching the Mirror Only Shows its Skeleton,” or compact objects around 8cm that create strong visual impressions. The purpose of the exhibition is to challenge belief in the senses, while stimulating reflection on philosophy, science, and mathematics.

The works in the Illusionary Art exhibition. Source: Sugihara Kokichi

A highlight of the exhibition is Professor Sugihara’s use of trigonometric formulas, geometric design algorithms, and rendering techniques to create objects capable of “deceiving” the vision. Viewers will be encouraged to observe from various angles to see the miraculous geometric transformations and interact with mirrors to realize the unique illusionary effects.

In addition to admiring the artworks, visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in special activities: Papercraft Workshop: Takes place at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This is an opportunity to build simple models by hand and better understand the principles behind optical illusions (Pre-registration required). Artist Talk: Takes place at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June 29, 2025. Professor Sugihara Kokichi will directly share his research process, inspiration, and techniques for creating his optical illusion models (Pre-registration required from June 18).

The “Optical Illusion” exhibition holds significant educational and inspiring value, posing the question “Can vision be deceiving?” and helping viewers personally experience the “blind spots” of their senses. By combining mathematics, art, computers, and human vision, the exhibition demonstrates the beauty of computation and boundless creativity, encouraging critical thinking and scientific exploration for all ages.

EXHIBITION INFORMATION

• Opening Event: 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 28, 2025
• Exhibition Period: Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, August 24, 2025
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Open daily)
• Location: Japan Foundation (27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi)
• Admission: Free

WORKSHOP & ARTIST TALK INFORMATION

• Time:

Workshop – 3:00 PM, Saturday, June 28, 2025

Artist Talk – 10:00 AM, Sunday, June 29, 2025

• Location: Japan Foundation (27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi)
• Admission: Free, pre-registration required at: https://forms.gle/VDnEnY1m5v8bxAFb8

Reference Source: Japan Foundation – Japan Cultural Exchange Center in Vietnam

Photo file: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1C0Ft7k70c3jbij2a8sL7olDQYPoHskdy