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An Enchanting Optical Experience At The Gallery

Combining antique pre-cinema pieces with modern technological devices, Optical Collusion is a fascinating visual feast currently exhibiting at the Latrobe Regional Gallery.

By Latrobe City - 1st July 2011 - Back to News

Artists Donna Kendrigan and Chris Henschke have collected stereoscopic devices dating back to the 1890s and have adapted them with current optical and imaging technologies to display animations, 3D images, prints and collages.

"On our travels around Europe we have collected many early 20^th century pre-cinema devices such as stereoscopic viewing cabinets, peep boxes, and magic lanterns. Into these we have introduced modern technologies so that the viewer can move between the old and the new seamlessly.

"Tricks of perception were perpetrated throughout the pre-cinematic period and beyond and here we have dabbled with those antiquated tricks, giving them a modern twist," Mr Henschke explained.

Latrobe City’s arts director, Julie Adams, said that Optical Collusion provided the viewer with an opportunity to not only appreciate the aesthetic beauty of the antiques but to marvel at the technologies that allow us to use these old pieces in a new way.

"It’s fascinating that the artists have combined the old and the new. The exhibition offers a unique insight into the optical devices of the past as well as the new techniques that the artists have used within the devices.

"Visitors will be enchanted by the magical world that has been created. There is a sense of being in an old fashioned fairground and immersed in a contemporary digitally-created world, all at the same time.

"The artists have created an entrancing and mesmerising audio and visual scene using spotlights, glasses and prisms complete with a soundtrack of music played on bottles. It’s not to be missed," Ms Adams concluded.

Optical Collusion will run at the Latrobe Regional Gallery until 24 August 2011.

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Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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