Traditional architecture gets a reality check in M.C. Escher’s astounding optical illusion, “Waterfall.” A Dutch artist who divided flat surfaces into multi-dimensional planes, Escher (1898 – 1972) manipulated perception and perspective with spatial illusions, repetitive geometric patterns, and architecture containing infinite loops of waterfalls, stairs, ceilings and floors. Working with woodcuttings, lithographs and mezzotints, he used a mathematically advanced approach to art that was influenced by intricate Spanish tiling patterns, and jumbles of houses and maze-like streets in Italy.

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