How This Chalk Artist Creates Illusions on Pavement | Obsessed | WIRED

"Everything we think is real is, in some way, an illusion." Former NASA illustrator Kurt Wenner makes incredible, brain-busting chalk illusions. His works start with diligent planning, beginning with pencil and paper. Kurt even prototypes by using an iPhone's camera to mimic human sight. He then maps these prototypes onto large street canvases where his ephemeral art can be enjoyed by the public.

Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Malcolm Cook
Editor: Joshua Pullar
Talent: Kurt Wenner

Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Melissa Cho
Production Manager: Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila

Audio: Will Miller
Cam Op/Gaffer: Dominik Czaczyk
Production Assistant: Devin Beckwith

Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Diego Rentsch

Special Thanks: Additional festival footage by Alessio Cuomo and Sander de Nooij. Filmed at the Sarasota Chalk Festival, courtesy of Denise Kowal. Special audio thanks to Dylan Bergeson.


Follow WIRED:



Also, check out the free WIRED channel on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV.

ABOUT WIRED
WIRED is where tomorrow is realized. Through thought-provoking stories and videos, WIRED explores the future of business, innovation, and culture.

[buggibii]

People who can... MENTALLY figure this stuff out, let alone actually do it, boggle my mind to unfounded degrees 🤯

[drivethru]

These could be great permanent installations too, this art is accessible that almost anyone can appreciate and enjoy. Usually I have no idea what people on about with most art but I can get how beautiful and interactive this is.

[stampscapes]

Amazing. I remember the LA Times had a cover story on him in their magazine, I'm guessing, around 30 years ago. Didn't realize it was him until they showed those old photographs and that Dies Irae piece.

[leokimvideo]

Completely amazing, I saw one that was so real it had people nearly tripping over the illusion

[jopo]

I don't know how he does this, but I guess you could chalk it up to his perspective of things.

[pippa]

This is without doubt one of the best channels on youtube, and this video adds to the collection quite well. Thank you Wired!!

[sophiaisabelle]

That looks immensely impressive. Thank you for your consistency. Happy Holidays.

[Bachconcertos]

Out of this world - so amazing - incredible.

[GorilieVR]

I've always been so captivated by this type of art

[juangrandefranco]

"What illusion does fundamentally it tells us or reminds us that everything we think is real is, is in some way an illusion" the 60s was a helluva drug.

[berrybestfarmer]

The photography to capture this for generations to come is pretty amazing too.

[pentachronic]

He’s giving the public such a wonderful experience and gift. Bonding, communication and appreciation all rolled into one! Bravo!!!

[ice-val]

😍 Wow! Just amazing how he uses geometry with art! Beautiful! 👍🏼💪🏼🤎

[fireaza]

This guy's art, as with all art, is often a matter of perspective.

[franb]

Those kind of perspectives are called anamorphosis. Since they were a thing in the baroque era in Italy, I'm surprise the artist didn't mention that. But it don't take nothing form him. What an artist! He's amazing!

[spectrum]

The amount of chalk this guy has rivals my maths teacher

[Joshua-gmts]

A master, and it is a pleasure to have worked with him.

[fidelfajardo]

Awesome artist, doing the best amazing 3D illusions.

[KimberlyGreen]

Student: I don't wanna learn math. I'll never use it in real life.
Teacher: Oh really?

[totodenis]

Hated focal point physics practicals in high school. First time I have found it interesting. Wish I had a physics teacher who was more profound in explaining things