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YR 9 Research Analysis - Investigating Mc Escher

Part 1
Answer the following questions:

1. Who was Mc Escher? What did he do? What was he famous for?
Write a small paragraph (using your own words)
M.C. Escher was an artist known for his intriguing and puzzling artworks. He created
drawings that played with people’s perception, using optical illusions, symmetry, and shapes.
Escher's famous works include "Ascending and Descending," where people appear to walk up
and down stairs endlessly, and "Relativity," where figures move in all directions on
impossible staircases.

Part 2
Use your computer to research and collect at least two images of Mc Escher’s work that connect to
isometric drawing method

Artwork 1 Title: Ascending and

Descending
Date Artwork was created:
march 1960
Artist name: Mc Escher
Medium: lithograph

Artwork 2 Title: Relativity,

Date Artwork was created:
December 1953
Artist name: Mc Escher
Medium: Lithograph print
 1. Describe how the design elements and/or principles have been used in Artwork 1
In the artwork "Ascending and Descending" by M.C. Escher, design elements and principles
are cleverly used to create an optical illusion. Escher uses repetition of the figures going up
and down the stairs to give a sense of infinity. The lines and angles are carefully drawn to
guide the viewer's eyes along the never-ending staircase. This repetition and careful
arrangement of lines create a sense of confusion and challenge our perception of space and
reality. The use of contrast and shading adds depth to the artwork, making it appear three-
dimensional despite its impossible structure.

2. Describe how the design elements and/or principles have been used in Artwork 2.
In the artwork “relativity” by M.C Escher, an optical illusion is created using different design
elements and principles. Escher uses the principle of repetition by showing the same figure
multiple times, giving the artwork a sense of never ending movement. He also uses the
element of lines and shapes to create a complex pattern, causing the viewer’s eyes to move
around the artwork. The use of contrast and shading builds on the depth of the image,
making it appear 3 dimensional.

3. Explain how the artworks you selected connect with the isometric drawing method. Use
evidence from the artworks in your response.
The artworks “Relativity” and “Ascending and Descending” by MC Escher connect with the
isometric drawing method through their use of optical illusion and manipulation of
perspective. In “ Ascending and Descending,” Escher uses isometric drawing to create a
series of interconnected stairs that lead to an infinite loop. The figure in the artwork is
shown to be moving up and down the stairs, without ever reaching a specific point. Similarly,
in "Relativity,” Escher uses the isometric drawing method to create a never ending loop of
staircase and figures. The figures in this artwork seem to be moving up and down the stairs
endlessly. The illusion in both artworks is created through precise alignment of lines and
shapes, consistent with the principles of the isometric drawing method.

Part 3
4. Select Artwork 1 or Artwork 2 to compare with the artwork (By Jimmy Pike) pictured in the
table below
 Artist: Jimmy Pike
Title: Warnti
Medium: limited edition screenprint

Title: Ascending and Descending

Artist name: Mc Escher
Medium: lithograph

Refer to the artworks picture in the table above to respond to the following questions:

1. Compare and describe the use of shape

In "Warnti," the use of bold, abstract shapes reflects the artist's Indigenous Australian heritage,
telling a story or cultural significance. On the other hand, in "Ascending and Descending," Escher
uses complicated geometric shapes to create an optical illusion of a never ending staircase,
challenging the viewer's perception and creating a visually engaging piece. While both artworks use
shape, they serve different artistic purposes: "Warnti" expresses cultural identity through abstract
shapes, while "Ascending and Descending" explores visual illusions through geometric forms.

2. Compare and describe the use of line

In "Warnti" by Jimmy Pike, lines are used to create bold and rhythmic patterns, reflecting the artist's
Aboriginal Australian heritage. The lines in the artwork represent various cultural symbols and
storytelling elements. On the other hand, in "Ascending and Descending" by M.C. Escher, lines are
used to create an optical illusion of an infinite staircase. Escher's precise lines bend and loop, playing
with the viewers perception of space and direction.

3. Compare and describe the use of colour

In "Warnti" by Jimmy Pike, the use of color is simple and limited to only two colours. There is no
sense of depth in the artwork. On the other hand, in "Ascending and Descending" by M.C. Escher, a
variety of grey, black, and white shades are used to create depth and movement in the artwork.