Giant optical illusion coming to Woodward’s Atrium in Vancouver

A giant optical illusion created by two local mural artists will be installed at the Woodward’s Atrium in Vancouver on Thursday.

The huge artwork, free to view until the end of October, was created by Sandy and Steve Pell, who also painted the #kitswings mural in Kitsilano.

The pair were commissioned to make the new optical illusion by eyewear company Clearly to mark World Sight Day and raise awareness of vision health.

In a release, Arnaud Bussières, Clearly managing director, said he wanted to show people how much your vision can impact the way you experience the world.

“We wanted an art piece that reminds Vancouverites of the importance of eye health by creating a piece that plays with perception,” said Bussières.

“It is especially important in our world today.”

According to Bussières, there are 2.5 billion people in the world, including Canadians, who have vision problems, but can’t afford a solution.

Artist Sandy Pell explained that in creating the mural, she considered how people’s different visual perceptions would impact how they experienced the illusion.

“Diversity is our strength and diverse perspectives of a shared experience is worth celebrating,” said Pell.

Fellow artist Steve Pell said he hopes the giant Vancouver optical illusion hits home with viewers, considering the global issue at stake.

“We hope the Clearly mural helps spark conversation and raise public awareness about vision impairment as a major international public health issue,” said Pell.

World Sight Day is organized every year by the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Make Vision Count,” urging everyone to get an eye exam if they can, and making sure their loved ones do too.

Giant Optical Illusion at Woodward’s Atrium

When: Thursday, October 12 until Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Time: 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 10 pm on weekends

Where: Woodward’s Atrium – 101 West Hastings St., Vancouver

Admission: Totally free