Task 1: Why is the mirror image a „virtual image“? Note in the portfolio.
In the „Mirrorhouse“ by Ekkehard Altenburger, this impression that there is a place behind the mirror is used for the special aesthetic effect.
As seen in the figure above, you can geometrically construct the mirror image of an object. The procedure is explained in the following slide show.
Task 2: Take a piece of paper and a pencil and construct the mirror image step by step using the instructions.
Task 3: What happens to the distance di of the virtual image to the mirror if we halve the distance d of the object to the mirror? Make a prediction and check it by constructing the mirror image with linal and pencil.
Task 4: Arnaud Lapierre uses different fully mirrored cubes for his artwork.
a) What do you think, why can you see different parts of his body in each of the 3 cubes behind him? Discuss in the group and write down your ideas.
b) Why do bright squares of light appear on the floor when the sunlight hits the installation as in the photo?
Now you gathered enough knowledge about reflections in order to create your own installation with reflective surfaces. For this purpose, you will have cardboard of various thicknesses, adhesive tape and mirror foil, as well as some small mirrors. Continue on the next page, if you chose the design assignment „mirrors“.
Lights on! 