Lenticular Artworks
What is a lenticular artwork?
A lenticular is a unique type of artwork that uses a special print process and lens to create a dynamic visual experience.
The lenticular printing technique involves interlacing images and printing them directly on to a special plastic sheet containing lenses called lenticules.
These lenses, when paired with the interlaced images, can create the illusion of motion or depth in the image, depending on the viewing angle.
Featured Artwork: 'Botanic Kingdom Gold' and 'Flayed Angel' by Gary James McQueen.
The history of lenticular art
The history of lenticular imagery is thought to date back to as early as the 1500s when its predecessor, ‘tabula scalata’ - or ‘turning pictures’ - first derived as a means of revealing two different images on a corrugated surface.
By the 1900s, tabula scalata had been adopted by novelty markets to create puzzle postcards and visual tricks, and by 1910 lenticular lenses were produced to create the illusion of depth, as well as movement, for the first time.
But it was the mass production of plastic in the 1940s and 50s that made true lenticular printing a reality. The technique became extremely popular with brands in the mid-twentieth century, which is why you may recognise lenticular images from advertising displays, collectible cards or special-edition magazine and album covers from that period.
It was only a matter of time before modern artists explored the possibilities of lenticular art, including Roy Lichtenstein (Fish and Sky, 1967), Julian Opie (Suzanne Walking, 2005), Damien Hirst (Psilocybin, 2013) and Peter Blake (Eiffel Tower, 2015).
Featured Artwork: 'The Thinker' by Gary James McQueen.
Types of lenticular lens
There are three common types of lenticular lens, each creating different visual effects, and sometimes these can be combined to create a more multifaceted viewing experience.
Flip
This creates the illusion of two or more images switching or ‘flipping’ into each other as the viewing angle changes.
Animation
This combines a sequence of images with slight differences to create the illusion of motion or morphing as the viewing angle changes.
3D
This gives images a sense of depth, making them appear three-dimensional.
Featured Artwork: 'Savage Beauty' by Gary James McQueen.
How to create a lenticular artwork
The accuracy of lenticular printing heavily relies on the quality of the image and the raw material it is being printed on.
Take Gary James McQueen’s series, The Kintsugi Collection... This is a set of four kintsugi-inspired skulls that each create the illusion of three-dimensional depth.
To create these works, Gary James McQueen started by building 24 unique 3D frames that make up a motion sequence. This sequence was then split up and merged into a single master file in a process called interlacing.
This master file is printed directly on to the back of the 3D lens material which directs light in specific directions, so that the artwork appears 3D from different viewpoints.
Mastering his craft over decades, Gary James McQueen uses his unique understanding of illustration, light and composition to build a visual narrative. This, combined with the specialist skills involved in lenticular printing, are critical in creating a realistic, smooth movement that perfectly balances motion and clarity.
“The lenticular medium lends itself perfectly to my art because it truly translates the depth and volume I create during my process into the finished artwork. It is the closest 2D form available to create an immersive and 3D feel without being digital technology.” - Gary James McQueen
Featured Artwork: 'Kintsugi (Violet)' and 'Kintsugi (Teal)' by Gary James McQueen.
Learn more about lenticulars
The immersive nature of lenticular art is best experienced in person. Get in touch with one of our expert Art Consultants or find your nearest gallery to find out more about the lenticular art we have available.
Featured Artwork: 'Kintsugi (Orange)' by Gary James McQueen.
