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Eye Opener on the South Bank
Report by John Derris
Magicians
have employed visual and optical illusions for years - identical donkeys one of
which can be "stretched" etc. - but a new extensive exhibition - Eyes, Lies &
Illusions at The Hayward Gallery on the South Bank in London goes into a
history of the art and artifice of optical illusion from the Renaissance to the
present day that is truly staggering. It draws on the extraordinary collection
of German experimental film-maker Werner Nekes supported by a selection of
contemporary visual art by modem artists and many outstanding exhibits that have
been specially constructed like the Ames Room where two people of equal size can
be made to magically shrink or grow by the use of false perspective. And a full
size Camera Obscura on the roof that projects a live, moving vista of Waterloo
Bridge onto a wall.
The exhibition moves from the ancient art of shadowplay to tricks of light
involving perspective and the psychology of perception. There are many items to
interest magicians and inspire new effects, like a set of playing cards that
reveal a secret message when backlit. There are walking canes and chess pieces
that hide the profile of famous people, pieces that secretly communicate
censored information from political to pornographic, puzzle pictures and yes,
the well-known to magicians Flick Book that was first devised in the 16th
century.
On three floors you will see a range of intriguing
media and artworks - anamorphoses, tricks of perspective, hidden and double
images, manuscripts, prints and books, cameras, games and toys and early forms
of animation. Magician and historian Bob Read even discovered an engraving
showing hand shadows that pre-dates current information.
Strongly recommended for all those who deceive the eye for a living. Open until
3rd January 2005.
Information: 08703 800 400.
Photo:
The Ames Room where the false perspective
can make a person appear taller or shorter. Bob Read (right) is 5'9" wheras
German film-maker Werner Nekes (left) is 6'2" (photo by John Derris).
© John Derris, October 2004