“Metamorphosis III excerpt 5” by M.C. Escher, created between 1967 and 1968, is an exemplary piece within the Op Art movement, specifically showcasing the genre of tessellation. This artwork is part of Escher’s renowned “Metamorphosis” series.
The artwork illustrates a seamless visual transition among various elements. It begins with a series of fish that morph into birds, then into other animals such as horses, demonstrating Escher’s fascination with transformation and geometric alignment. The use of black and white highlights the complexity and precision of the tessellation, allowing the viewer to appreciate the fluidity with which one form transitions into another. This artwork, with its continuous and repetitive patterns, embodies the intrinsic elements of Op Art while showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship characteristic of Escher’s work.
