[trebb]

Same - the dark/light juncture at the apex of the curves sharpened the curves...more parlor trick than potential deficiency.

[gnarledmaw]

I think you're hitting closest to understanding it. I see curves at all times in white and black background, curvier the closer I zoom in grey because it has nothing to do with interpretation of color or curves, its an interpretation of light versus darkness, perceived light source versus shadow.

Im betting you have some background with art? I think the trick being displayed is pretty well understood by artists. Putting lighter colors on one side and darker on the opposite side indicates light source. If you zoom put and stare at the curvy lines and let your focus drift slightly like you do with 3d art you dont see waves up and down so much as an undulating forward (white, front light source) and away (further from light source).

The grant whores know that driving over to the tech school and asking an art instructor would put an end to their funding.