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The Illusions Gallery is About to Get Even More Puzzling

Seeing faces in unusual places is a psychological phenomenon called pareidolia (par-i-DOH-lee-a). It occurs because our brains are constantly looking for patterns in order to categorize things and make sense of the world. Sometimes our brains see faces in the wrong places, which is heaps of fun. Try giving it a go right now and see how many faces you can see in the room around you. 

I am in my room at home as I am writing this and I can see a mirror, a door, a wardrobe and all the usual things one has in their room (including a pair of dirty socks and a cup that looks like something suspicious has started to grow…). However, if glance at the outlet in my wall I notice something...it's looking back at me with a seemingly surprised expression! Upon closer inspection, the mold in this cup looks a bit like one of my old teachers—big bushy beard and all. Hang on a moment, my chest of drawers does seem to have a sort-of grin. How many faces can you see?

You can see faces in all sorts of places. Have you ever played the game of seeing shapes in the clouds? It's a fun and free activity that everyone can enjoy, challenge your friends to see if they can see the dragon you are pointing to or the giant cat chasing the snail. I bet you can come up with some interesting stories! 

Science World's Puzzles and Illusions Gallery is designed to muddle your brain and get you to think a little differently. Over the next few months, Puzzles and Illusions will be undergoing some big changes! You can expect some new and curious exhibits that are sure to inspire and confuse. 

How many faces can you see? Come along to TELUS World of Science and explore our new shadow art wall to find out for yourself (or not...after all, it is an illusion).

About the sticker

Survivors

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

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Egg BB

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

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Comet Crisp

Artist: Jeff Kulak

Jeff is a senior graphic designer at Science World. His illustration work has been published in the Walrus, The National Post, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee Magazine. He loves to make music, ride bikes, and spend time in the forest.

About the sticker

T-Rex and Baby

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Buddy the T-Rex

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Geodessy

Artist: Michelle Yong

Michelle is a designer with a focus on creating joyful digital experiences! She enjoys exploring the potential forms that an idea can express itself in and helping then take shape.

About the sticker

Science Buddies

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

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Western Dinosaur

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.

About the sticker

Time-Travel T-Rex

Artist: Ty Dale

From Canada, Ty was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1993. From his chaotic workspace he draws in several different illustrative styles with thick outlines, bold colours and quirky-child like drawings. Ty distils the world around him into its basic geometry, prompting us to look at the mundane in a different way.