This video from the YouTube channel Brusspup shows a mind-melting optical illusion that will get you thinking about the limits of your perception.
The effect is called an anamorphic illusion. It uses a distorted perspective or projective to reconstitute the perception of an image. It’s a technique often used in works of art to challenge the viewer's sense of perception. However, it also has its practical applications: Elongated text projections are often used on roads to give warnings to drivers, such as “Bus Lane.”
“This effect works beautifully through the lens of a camera because there is no depth perception,” Brusspup told The Daily Mail.
He added: “If you were to view this image in person, you could instantly tell that it was just a piece of paper. If you closed one eye and really concentrated, then you would be able to see the effect. If it were not for the paper, then you would cut out the object and set it on the table, but there would be no shadows, and it would be easy to tell that it was fake.”
The YouTube channel even posts links to the distorted images so you can try it out for yourself at home: A Rubik’s Cube, a roll of tape, and a shoe.