A striking masterpiece by Spanish artist Sergi Cadenas is captivating audiences worldwide with its unique ability to portray human aging through movement.
As viewers shift their position, the painting transforms seamlessly from the youthful visage of a woman to her aged counterpart, illustrating the passage of time in a profoundly visual way.
This innovative artwork, which has gone viral on social media, is just one example of Cadenas’ pioneering approach to dual-image paintings.
Another standout piece features a young girl with piercing blue eyes, which morph into the dark, expressive gaze of a little boy when observed from the opposite side.
Inspired by Childhood Memories
Cadenas, a self-taught artist, draws inspiration from flip images he encountered on cards as a child. This curiosity led him to experiment with creating similar effects in his oil paintings.
Utilizing a piping bag designed for cake decorating, he builds vertical ridges on his canvases, which serve as the foundation for two distinct images to coexist.
His technique, described as minimalist with influences from early 20th-century modernism, relies on kinetic optics. Vertical strips of paint paste are meticulously applied and then painted differently on each side, producing a three-dimensional effect that gives the illusion of transformation.
Exploring Deeper Themes
Beyond the technical marvel of his work, Cadenas uses his art to explore profound themes, including the fleeting nature of youth, mortality, emotional duality, and racial equality.
Each painting invites viewers to engage actively, offering shifting perspectives and new insights with every step.
“His paintings aren’t just visually stunning—they challenge us to reflect on life’s complexities and the different lenses through which we view the world,” notes Galeria Jordi Barnadas, which showcases his work.
Global Recognition
Cadenas has earned international acclaim as one of the leading figures in optical art. His pieces are displayed in prestigious collections, including the Porrentruy Optical Art Museum (POPA) in Switzerland, and grace private collections across the globe.
Cadenas’ ability to blend technical mastery with deep storytelling cements his place as a visionary artist, transforming how we experience and interpret visual art.
