Imagine strolling down a corridor in a vintage Victorian home and come across a painting that looks like a door. When you reach out to open it, you notice that it is merely an illusion despite having a handle, hinges, and a brass knocker. This is an illustration of trompe-l’oeil, a creative process in which genuine imagery is used to produce an optical illusion.
The art of trompe-l’oeil, which translates from French to “fool the eye,” has its roots in ancient Greece. For centuries, it has been used on sculptures, paintings, and other works of art. This method is used by artists to simulate three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. This can be accomplished by giving the impression that some items are sticking out from a wall or that they are moving away. The painted mural is the most prevalent form of trompe l’oeil. This is a painting that appears to be a window or doorway leading to another area on a wall or ceiling. There may be furnishings, draperies, and shutters that give the impression that they are real in the painting. To give the impression of depth, the artist may occasionally add shadows and highlights.
Sculptures and objects can also employ trompe l’oeil. A sculptor might, for instance, make a figure that looks to be emerging from a wall. The figure may be painted to give the impression that it is three dimensional. Or an object can be created out of ceramic and be painted to look like leather.
This is a technique Supreme used on their latest The North Face collaboration. On a selection of items Supreme printed a crumbled and shiny effect, which creates the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on the flat water resistant, breathable poly ripstop surface. Even the usual patches and Backpack straps are made to look 3D but are printed this time. Make sure to check out the collection on supremecommunity.com. All items are available on supreme.com from Thursday March 9th 11am EST, 17:00 GMT+1.
