The artwork “Flat Worms,” created by M.C. Escher in 1959, falls under the Op Art movement and is classified as an animal painting. In keeping with Escher’s renowned stylistic approach, this work exhibits a complex interplay of geometric forms and optical illusions, creating a mesmerizing and intricate visual experience.
The artwork depicts an array of flatworms, cleverly integrated into an intricate and surreal environment composed of interconnected geometric shapes and forms. The composition is executed in a grayscale palette, providing a stark yet cohesive contrast that enhances the optical illusions within the scene. The flatworms appear to navigate through a labyrinth of three-dimensional blocks, characterized by their reflective surfaces and meticulously drawn textures. The arrangement and perspective of these elements create an engaging visual rhythm, as the boundaries between flat and spatially extended areas are artfully blurred, embodying the quintessential features of the Op Art movement.