Infinite Limits

Emblem of Visibility

          A kaleidoscope is a tube of mirrors containing loose colored beads, pebbles or other small colored objects. The viewer looks in one end and light enters the other end, reflecting off the mirrors. Typically there are two rectangular lengthwise mirrors. Mostly a child’s past time, kaleidoscopes are used to see different images while looking up at the light that shines in. As you turn the kaleidoscope around the images change into different shapes and sizes. What is most interesting to notice is how the colors change and how the light affects the brightness of the colors. People use this toy to see things outside of what they see from day to day and it is very helpful in distinguishing images, shapes, and sizes.

          This symbol sums up Calvino’s memo of visibility because it portrays how relatable it is to the imaginative process. There is also an infinite amount of possibilities of images when looking into a kaleidoscope and each time the viewer may see something different. Here, visibility exposes visual images that can be the same or different depending on how you view it.