Optical+Illusion

"All is Vanity" by C. Allan Gilbert. Life, death, and meaning of existence are intertwined. (Woman gazing into boudoir mirror forms shape of skull.)

What are optical illusions?

Interpretation of "All is Vanity"

**Directions**: After viewing the poster and reading the accompanying websites, respond with your opinion on the poster, and the artist's interpretation.


 * Comments : **
 * I believe the statement about how vanity has multiple meanings is true and the picture represents the two means correctly. I think the optical illusion is on point with the skull and then the lady's face within the skull. I first noticed the outer picture then I saw the inner picture. It is true like in the reading how it says we all look the same when we die. I believer there is no need to obsess over what you look like because each person is beautiful in their own way. The image shows a good message of how people are self absorbed when there is no need to be that way. The texture and coloring of the image is enjoyable. Looks isn't everything in the world and self-absored people are unliked at times because all they care about it themselves. Franki Haiduk ** Very True! Thank you for your response. - Prof. Kraemer


 * Vanity can be defined as, “ Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements ”. You at first see the woman observing herself in what seems like a make-up table and mirror. Then when you really analyze the image you see how a skull is made out of the woman, table, assumed cosmetic bottles and a “mirror”. Also faintly to the right is a candle which could hold symbolic meaning as well-- mortality. To succumb to vanity can be both mentally and physically deleterious. The amount of time consumed by such actions [physical] and thoughts [mental] to upkeep a persona or multiple personas is inevitably exhausting; basically extracting years of your life away [reflected by the candle/skull]. The artist is obviously trying to instigate the thought, “Is it worth it?”. Also we think of this piece as an optical illusion but, the word optical illusion can have two purposes here. Our vanity can instigate an illusion of ourselves that we want everyone to see— ultimately we are an illusion as well. "...when we die we will all look the same - nothing but a skull." [from article 2] Mary McDermott - ** Its all perception, isn't it Mary? Thank you for your thoughtful response. - Prof. Kraemer
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 * //All is Vanity// obviously has a double meaning, but I believe it is the ultimate illustration of death. The second article sums it up perfectly when it states, “The title and double image are meant to imply that being overly concerned with your own beauty is futile because when we die we will all look the same – nothing but a skull.” I also believe the artist put the candle in the drawing to represent life and to show us just how easily it can be taken away or extinguished. It’s pointless to go through life being self-absorbed. We need to live our lives to the fullest while we can. Keri Hayes** I've looked at this image often and never contemplated the candle's meaning. I like the interpretation. Thank you for your response. - Prof. Kraemer


 * In reading both articles, I find it extremely interesting. When I initially looked at the "All is Vanity," I could see the skull and the woman sitting down and putting on her make-up. As I read both articles, I agree with the fact that are mind is in control. The way our brain sees certain images, reflects on how we act. Especially when it comes to driving. Having certain hazard markings on the road, and the way they come closer and narrower, it makes our mind think that we're driving fast and therefore, we should slow down. In Charles Allen Gilbert's image, I appreciated his reasoning of the double image and what it means. "Being overly concerned with your own beauty is futile because when we die we will all look the same-nothing but a skull." How true that it. Jessica DiLallo -** Interesting interpretation (Driving) Jessica. Thank you for your response.