Saleeta Qadir, a brilliant Artificial Intelligence student from Pakistan currently studying at the University of Erlangen, Germany, has made the nation proud by securing a place among the top 10 finalists in the globally celebrated Best Illusion of the Year competition.
Her incredible entry, titled “Static Spin,” is an optical illusion that appears to move — even though it’s completely still. The illusion has fascinated not only everyday viewers but also scientists and experts in the field of visual perception.
Organized by the Neural Correlate Society, this prestigious competition is now in its 20th year and is famous for recognizing some of the most creative and brain-bending visual tricks in the world. It brings together researchers, artists, and students from all over the globe to challenge how we understand the way our brains see the world.
Saleeta’s illusion features a ballerina whose silhouette constantly switches between black and white. Though the figure doesn’t actually move, the shifting contrast tricks the brain into seeing a smooth spinning motion. What makes it even more impressive is that this was developed as part of her Master’s project in Artificial Intelligence — blending computer graphics, mathematical precision, and visual storytelling into one powerful experience.
“This project sits beautifully at the crossroads of technology and art,” said her academic advisor, Professor Bernhard Egger. “It’s an outstanding example of how AI can be used to enhance creativity. The effect is so strong, most people are convinced the image is moving — even though it’s completely still.”
Inspired by a classic 2D illusion from the 1990s, Saleeta took the idea a step further by turning it into a stunning 3D visual experience. In the spirit of open science, she also shared her source code publicly — giving others the chance to recreate or build upon the illusion using their own visuals.
Her entry is up against strong competition from countries like Japan, China, the USA, the UK, Serbia, and the Czech Republic, but she’s proudly representing both her university and Pakistan’s growing presence in AI and visual computing. With such a powerful concept, Saleeta is a strong contender for a top-three finish.
🎯 Public voting is now open on the competition’s official website — giving people around the world a chance to support her innovation.