FIRST PRIZE  in the 'Best illusion of the year' competition (Naples, Florida,  2008).

This illusion has been published in:
Van Lier, R., Vergeer, M., Anstis, S. (2009). Filling-in afterimage colors between the lines. Current Biology, 19(8), R323-R324
(pdf, pdf-supplementary)
 

Please fixate at the dot between the star figures.
After a few cycles, differently colored afterimages appear between the contours presented after the colored stars.
Notice that the left and right colored stars are identical.

Clearly, the afterimage colors in the center depend on the contours that are presented after the colored stars.
So, at the same retinal locations different afterimage colors are perceived.
 

© van Lier & Vergeer
 
 

Using illusory contours( fixate at the center)...
 

© van Lier & Vergeer

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Here is a Powerpoint file with various examples of the illusion.

Check also the "Best illusion of the year"  website.
 
 
 

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