Cubism draws together many of the ideas we had used before. It fits our rules for mathematical shapes, it is an optical illusion, and it is made from units which can be fitted together to cover the surface (except at the edges). Each unit, which looks like a cube, is made from a square and two parallelograms
The design was probably inspired by finding the blue variegated yarns and two matching plain blue yarns. Variegated yarns create an unusual effect when they are used diagonally. There is no suggestion of the spots or stripes you usually get with such yarns. Using the variegated yarn for the squares gives large areas of apparent texture for the fronts of the cubes. Any three colours would work to give the effect of cubes.
The cubes resemble steps. They are big and dramatic. Spectators love or hate this illusion. Some can’t bear to look at it because they are disoriented by it and think they will fall.
It was very useful as an introduction to how 3D shapes are represented on a flat surface. It also gives rise to questions about exactly what you are looking at. Is it always clear what we mean by top or bottom when interpreting 3D shapes?
