Illusionistic Motion

Below are some photographs by Gjon Mili, a photographer from the 1930’s who, like THomas Eakins, was fascinated with the study of motion through photography. Through the use of photoflash, he was able to capture a sequence of actions in one photograph.

The photo below, of Gene Kelly, shows illusionistic motion through the use of multiple images.

This of Gene Krupa depicts motion through the use of blurred outlines. The drawing on the right, by Edouard Manet, uses the same technique to portray motion. The sketchy drawing style suggests motion and the right arm and hoe are incomplete and overlapping, suggesting more motion than the rest of the body.

The picture below, another photograph by Gjon Mili, is an example of anticipated motion. This “unstable body positon” makes it clear to the viewer that “change is imminent,” although it doesn’t look like the person in the photo is concerned.