Post Modern Artist Julian Beever

Post Modern Artist

Julian Beever is a sidewalk chalk artist famous for his public works that create 3-D optical illusions through the use of trompe-l'oeil drawings created using a projection anamorphosis create the illusion of defying the laws of perspective.

Trompe-l'oeil is a technique used by artist that involves extremely realistic imagery that results in the creation of an optical illusion, giving the viewer the impression that the object really exists. The word Trompe-l'oeil is French for "trick of the eye." The art form originated in the Baroque period, it has experienced a post-modern revival in the twentieth century, often being associated with pop and Hollywood culture. Anamorphosis is a distortion of the projection or perspective that requires the viewer to seek a specific vantage point in order to properly see the image.

Child's anamorphosis sidewalk chalk drawings are typically found in busy city centers and are often reflective of cultural and political issues. For example, his Make Poverty History mural was created in Edinburgh's city center as part of the Live Aid movement in connection with the G8 Summit. In this work, Beever creates a large globe that places Africa in the center. Due to the illusion created, the globe gives the viewer the impression of sitting straight up from the sidewalk and therefore is impossible to ignore its message.

Another political and public sidewalk mural done by Beever is his Politicians Meeting Their End, drawn on the night of the 1997 General Elections outside the Bank of England. In this work, Beever creates the illusion of a deep well in the middle of the sidewalk with unpopular politicians being pulled in. Again, like most of his works, this one demands the viewers attention and gives a clear message.