Optical illusion Painting by Canada based Painter- Rob Gonsalves

Rob Gonsalves was a Canadian painter renowned for his unique style of Magical Realism or Surrealism. Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1959, he passed away in 2017.

Here's a breakdown of his work and life:

• Signature Style: Magical Realism and Optical Illusions: Gonsalves's paintings are famous for their seamless and mind-bending transitions. He masterfully blends two or more seemingly unrelated scenes into a single, cohesive image. For example, a row of trees might transform into the masts of sailing ships, or a group of city buildings might become rocky cliffs. His work is often compared to that of M.C. Escher, Salvador Dalí, and René Magritte, but Gonsalves's art is more a result of a conscious, narrative-driven process rather than subconscious exploration. He used his background in architecture to manipulate perspective and scale to create his signature illusions.

• Themes: His art often explores the themes of imagination, wonder, and the duality of reality. He aimed to depict the human desire to believe in the impossible and to find magic in the mundane. His paintings often show a gentle, whimsical metamorphosis that challenges the viewer's perception of what is real.

• Famous Works: While he doesn't have a single, most famous painting in the way that, say, Leonardo da Vinci has the "Mona Lisa," many of his works are highly recognizable due to their frequent sharing online. Some of his most celebrated pieces include:

  • "The Sun Sets Sail"

  • "Arboreal Office"

  • "Still Waters"

  • "The Phenomenon of Floating"

• Legacy: Gonsalves was also a successful illustrator of children's books, for which he received several awards. His books, such as Imagine a Night and Imagine a Day, introduced his mesmerizing art to a younger audience. His work is highly sought after by collectors worldwide, and his unique vision continues to be admired and celebrated.