As long ago as the 12th century when a carving of an elephant and bull hybrid tricked those passing the Airavatesvara Temple in India, we’ve delighted in putting our mental sharpness to the test with optical illusions.

Modern day illusions reach wider audiences than ever before – who could forget the viral dress phenomenon, viewed interchangeably as white and gold or blue and black?

Whether carved into historic architecture or doing the rounds on TikTok, these mind-bending tricks use colour,…