Marvels of Illusion offered a sensational optical and intellectual experience delving into the world of double images and illusions. The special exhibition showcased a variety of Dalí paintings, prints and sculpture; a special work from the 16th Century from the School of Arcimboldo, on loan from the Ringling Museum; and rich explanatory material.
As a centerpiece for the exhibit, The Dalí created an interactive installation with San Francisco based agency Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), entitled Gala Contemplating You which explored the Salvador Dalí’s fascination with double imagery and optical illusions. The experience centered on Dalí’s 1976 monumental painting Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea Which at Twenty Meters Becomes the Portrait of Abraham Lincoln (Homage to Rothko). Visitors were invited to transform their self-portraits into pixelated images, replacing Lincoln in the painting; the image was then projected in full scale alongside the original canvas (and a mobile website allowed people to take part remotely).
Read what the New York Times had to say.
