Pareidolia in Abstract Art: The Fascinating Phenomenon
Pareidolia in abstract art is a fascinating phenomenon that can bring new meaning and interpretation to this type of amazing art. Context plays a significant role in our perception of pareidolia.
You may not have come across the word “pareidolia” before but I’m sure you will know exactly what it is if you continue reading.
Have you ever looked at an abstract painting, particularly non-representational, and seen something familiar in the lines and shapes? Or maybe looked at a cloud and saw the shape of a face or an animal?
Chances are, you may have experienced a phenomenon known as Pareidolia.
Pareidolia is not something new to me or to most people. It just reminded me of some of the comments a few people said when they were looking at some of my abstract paintings.
Some said they saw faces, birds or animals. I never painted any representations of these images.
My paintings are mainly abstract non-representational, i.e. there is no depiction of the real world. These comments were quite interesting and added different interpretations to the paintings.
Let’s find out more about pareidolia and whether it has any impact on abstract art.
What is pareidolia?
Pareidolia is the tendency of the human brain to recognise patterns, even when they are not actually present. It is a psychological phenomenon of seeing familiar patterns and objects in random or ambiguous stimuli.
The human brain works continuously to look for and identify familiar patterns and objects. This tendency has been linked to our survival instincts to recognise and respond to potential risks and threats.
Nothing to worry about…
Pareidolia is a natural human phenomenon that has evolved over time to identify threats or opportunities in our environment.
This image of a face in a building is a typical example of “Face Pareidolia.
Abstract art vs. non-representational art
In the context of explaining pareidolia in abstract art, I think it is worth mentioning here that there is a difference between abstract art and non-representational art.
Abstract art is usually created with some recognisable objects, but they are abstracted, i.e. simplified, exaggerated or a combination of both. Therefore, the viewer would be able to see and recognise some of these familiar objects.
However, maybe due to a lack of basic knowledge about art, it has been customary in recent years to refer to anything that is not representational or realist as “abstract.”
Non-representational art, on the other hand, does not attempt to represent any real object at all. This is a type of art that is mainly created with colours, shapes and lines, etc.
How visual information is processed in the human brain?
Seeing faces in everyday objects or other familiar shapes is a normal human condition. It relates to how the brain processes visual information.
The brain processes vast amounts of visual information and within 13 milliseconds it makes predictions about what we are seeing or perceiving to see. Such predictions and interpretations could be influenced by personal experience.
Our brains are hard-wired to understand our environment and, particularly people. The brain works very hard and tries to look and interpret human-like intentions in everything around us.
The sense we rely on the most in our daily activities is vision. Our brains’ processing of images is incredibly sophisticated and intricate. Humans are incredibly skilled at recognising meaningful patterns, shapes and objects from random data.
Pareidolia is an amazing natural phenomenon which is simply an illusion of seeing faces or other familiar shapes where they are not actually present. The brain is programmed to process visual information and face detection is one of its main functions.
This is only a simple explanation without going too technical. Several scientific studies explain a lot more about the pareidolia phenomenon.
The benefits of pareidolia in abstract art
The phenomenon of pareidolia in abstract art can bring a new level of interpretation and meaning to the artwork. Viewers can engage with the abstract artwork on perhaps a deeper level, connecting with the recognisable shapes that they perceive within the artwork.
This can make the artwork more accessible and relatable to a wider audience, as viewers can draw on their own personal experiences and associations to understand and appreciate the artwork.
The limitations of pareidolia in abstract art
While pareidolia can bring a new level of interpretation to abstract art, it can also limit the artist’s ability to convey a specific meaning or message.
The viewer’s perception of recognisable shapes and forms may not align with the artist’s intent, leading to a possible disconnection between the artist and the viewer.
Additionally, the viewer’s perception of pareidolia may distract from other elements in the abstract artwork, such as colour, texture and composition, that the artist may have intended to be the focus.
Examples of pareidolia in abstract art
Here are a couple of my non-representational paintings which show two recognisable objects. I never intended to paint any recognisable objects and I actually never noticed them until other people mentioned them.
Can you see any shapes of recognisable objects? I can see one in each painting. Take your time and I will show you the objects I can see at the end of this article.
Other interesting information about pareidolia
- According to MIT News, the human brain is capable of recognising faces in just 13 milliseconds. This rapid processing speed is the result of evolution and is essential for survival.
- Pareidolia is more likely to occur in people who have a strong imagination and high levels of creativity. A study published by ScienceDirect.
- Why do so many people see faces in everyday objects? ‘Face Pareidolia’, an interesting study published by Psychological Science.
A final word about pareidolia in abstract art
Abstract art, particularly non-representation art, has long been a source of fascination and inspiration for many. This style of art is so unique. It is characterised by its lack of recognisable and representational elements, often relying on non-representational forms, shapes and lines to convey meaning.
Despite its non-recognisable elements and composition, many of my friends and other people who have seen some of my abstract paintings said that they could see faces or other recognisable objects within the artworks.
I stopped painting traditional representational art many years ago. So, all my paintings that I have been creating for over 30 years now are non-representational abstract art.
Pareidolia is not limited to just abstract art. It can also impact how we perceive and understand the world around us, I think.
So the next time you are looking at a piece of abstract art, take a moment to consider the role that pareidolia is playing in your interpretation. It may just add a whole new dimension to your viewing experience.
I’m fascinated by the hidden beauty of abstract art and learning more about the effects of pareidolia in abstract art just makes it even more interesting.
The Answer:
Did you manage to see the shapes in the above abstract paintings? Well done if you have and if you haven’t, here they are:
Have you had any Pareidolia experiences? Let me know about it in the comments section below.
17 April 2023 @ 4:24 am
I enjoyed seeing (reading, actually) pareidolia from an artist’s perspective. And suspect that “a lack of basic knowledge about art” accounts for much of the sorting of visual art into “representational” and “abstract”. That, and maybe a tendency to keep categories few and simple: and that’s another topic.
I think I saw at least two faces in the first example – and I’m not sure what creatures or objects flickered by later on – although I’m pretty sure that wall was both startled and displeased. 😉
Thanks for writing and sharing this. And warning that pareidolia and related subjects contain many deep metaphorical rabbit holes.
17 April 2023 @ 2:39 pm
Thank you so much for your comment. It’s highly appreciated. I do enjoy sharing and discussing almost anything to do with art. I agree with your point about the many categories of visual art. It can be confusing to most people. In a recent blog post, I wrote about the difference between modern, abstract and contemporary art. For some people, the overlap between them could be a little difficult.
I find it amazing how our brains can create associations and patterns from seemingly random shapes, making pareidolia a fascinating metaphorical subject.
Thanks again for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.
18 April 2024 @ 2:12 am
Thanks for this article. I am a “Seer” I see a lot of images and seans in my art. I am also familiar with pareidolia a phenomenal that I have experienced as a little girl not knowing what it was. Since then I have become an Representational and Non-representational artist. I experience unexplained art on a regular basis. This journey comes with Woes but more of a “WOW!!”
18 April 2024 @ 7:06 am
Thank you for sharing your experiences with pareidolia and your art journey. It’s fascinating to hear how you’ve encountered this phenomenon since childhood and how it has influenced your artistic practice over time.
Pareidolia is indeed a common human experience where we perceive familiar patterns or images in random or abstract stimuli. The “wow” moments of discovering unexpected, unexplained imagery in your art must be really exciting and inspiring.
I’m glad this article resonated with you and your own creative journey. Embracing the unexpected and being open to the “wows” that can emerge through pareidolia and other experiential aspects of art-making is such an important part of the creative process. Please feel free to share more about how pareidolia and the “unseen” have shaped your artistic expression. I’d be interested to learn more.
21 August 2024 @ 8:48 am
Do people buy any of them? I have a few which I’ve seen face images on tiles and walls.
23 August 2024 @ 9:55 am
Thank you for your interesting comment. I guess people do buy abstract artworks that evoke pareidolia – the tendency to perceive familiar patterns like faces in random or abstract stimuli. Many collectors and art enthusiasts find these pieces intriguing precisely because they spark our innate pattern-recognition tendencies.
Your experience of seeing face-like images on tiles and walls is a great example of everyday pareidolia. It’s fascinating how our brains are wired to find meaning and familiarity even in random textures and shapes.
Have you ever considered photographing or sketching the faces you’ve noticed? Many artists have created works inspired by pareidolic experiences in everyday environments. It could be an interesting creative project if you’re artistically inclined.
I’d be curious to hear more about the specific images you’ve seen. Do you find yourself actively looking for these patterns now or do they tend to jump out at you unexpectedly?
7 November 2024 @ 9:57 pm
A great article Suhail! I saw a pink dog head too in the upper right corner of the second painting. IT is a bit abstract, but I can make it out well.
8 November 2024 @ 8:10 pm
Thank you so much Don for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the article and were able to spot the pareidolic dog head in the second painting.
It’s always fascinating to see what different people are able to perceive in abstract art. The ability to find familiar shapes and objects in ambiguous visual stimuli is a testament to the incredible pattern-recognition capabilities of the human brain.
I appreciate you taking the time to share your observation – it’s a wonderful example of the playful and subjective nature of pareidolia.
Thanks again for the feedback, I’m happy you found the post interesting.
20 April 2025 @ 11:45 am
don’t know how I found this, But Thank You for sharing this fyi— my New found Images of What I was Calling it Ghost ART… In Gray tone Basically embedded in the couch canvas after I had a Meditation… Interesting How The Images got There… 5 Dimensional… I’ll explore the Brain science more…
20 April 2025 @ 1:46 pm
Hi Virginia
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and also for your comment.
19 July 2025 @ 9:52 pm
As an abstract, non-representational painter I definitely feel the disconnect with people who “see” things that are not in the picture. And all I want is to connect. I can be talking to people about my paintings, where they come from, what my process is, etc. and still I get the “I see a face, a cow, or a girl” thing back at me from half of them. It drives me nuts. It feels like they’re dismissing the actual painting, and they’re also not listening. I just fail to see how the purpose of a painting is to serve someones pattern recognition ability. I have that too (though maybe less). But I don’t apply it when looking at abstract painting, or art in general! Art is about intentionality, and interpretation doesn’t mean literally making things up, right?
You “use” pareidolia with clouds, coffee stains, for fun, for inspiration, intentionally as a creative resource. But why do viewers feel it’s ok to slap a non-existing figure into a clearly non-figurative painting, making it about something completely else? There’s such a language divide. I’m sorry, I’m still mad about it. Hopefully will move into acceptance soon.
20 July 2025 @ 8:39 am
Thank you so much, Victoria, for your comment and for being so open about how it feels to share non-representational art with others.
Believe me, you’re not alone in this. I know exactly what you mean. I often receive similar comments and I accept that viewers will bring their own interpretations to what they see.
People naturally look for patterns, it’s just how our minds work. For many, non-representational art feels unfamiliar, so finding something recognisable can make them feel more comfortable.
Different responses are part and parcel of sharing art and are reflections of their engagement with the piece.
Thank you again for expressing this so honestly. Non-representational art opens up unique conversations and I think every interpretation shows that people are connecting in their own way.
I’d like to see some of your work. Please feel free to drop me an email if you’d like.