M.C. Escher was the absolute master of synthesizing illusions with mathematics and the graphic arts. From his multi-faceted perspective he redefined reality. What was up was also down. He weaved imaginary worlds governed by this duality. To call Escher a genius would be an understatement. The sheer volumes of detail was astonishing to behold in person. Escher’s dizzying array of works led me to later discover decades later some of his studies which were tied together with his enigmatic system of mathematical guidance in producing these visually stunning pieces. His works totaled 448 prints over the course of a sixty year career. Although he produced a small volume per year, his works were vastly complex. One cannot deny his genius as well as his sense of humor while poking fun at himself for the absolute absurdity found in one of his most well known woodcuts and wood engravings.
His ability to teleport us to imaginary worlds where infinity loops abound became his hallmark signature. His work Smaller and Smaller is known as his most ambitious work. The continuously infinite details are incredible. We are transported into a world where infinity in both directions goes on for as he put it “ad absurdum.” This Latin term refers to something that has gone beyond the point of absurdity. Happily poking fun at his own craftsmanship Escher’s fascination with mathematics cannot be denied. He clearly relies on mathematical principles in order to break and redefine them while defying gravity, even planar existence in each of his works. Reality as he portrayed it possessed no bounds.
“The halving of the figures is continued ad absurdum. The smallest animal still possessing a head, a tail and four legs is about two millimeters long.”