The sequel to the 2009 "Optical Illusions" exhibition, which was held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kobe and attracted an astonishing total of over 750,000 visitors, "Optical Illusions II: Evolving Optical Illusions Into the Future," will be held at Bunkamura The Museum from August 9th.

While the first exhibition focused on the effects of "illusion" in art history and introduced the lineage of artworks in the historical flow from classical painting through modern times to contemporary art, this exhibition, as the title suggests, will feature a selection of works centered on the "evolving" development of contemporary art. The "Prologue" section features trompe l'oeil masterpieces by classical masters, including Giuseppe Arcimboldo's "The Librarian" and Albrecht Dürer's "Madonna with the Irises" (a late 16th-century replica), a masterpiece of double imagery. The exhibition is then organized around four themes: "Trompeil," "Shadow, Silhouette & Mirror Image," "Op Illusion," and "Anamorphosis/Metamorphosis." Chapter 2, "Trompeil," showcases a succession of truly eye-defying works, including Miran Fukuda's "Portrait of a Woman," in which the woman's eyes move every few seconds, and Kazu Oshiro's "Fender Deluxe Reverb Amp 2," which recreates a familiar motif to the utmost detail. In the world of art, shadows and mirrors have long been used as supporting motifs to make objects appear more real, but since the latter half of the 20th century, works have emerged that treat them as the main characters and break away from existing stereotypes. In Chapter 3, "Shadows, Silhouettes & Mirror Images," visitors can experience the mysterious, three-dimensional optical illusions that occur between virtual and real objects, including Shigeo Fukuda's "Underground Piano" and Markus Retz's "Full-Length Mirror II." Other exhibits include "Hiroshige and Hughes" by Patrick Hughes and "Battor" by Victor Vasarely in Chapter 4, "Op Illusion," and "Anamorphoses Metamorphoses" in Chapter 5, "Stretched Woman #2" by Evan Penny, "Red Model" by René Magritte, and "Self-Portrait: Too Sad to Let Go, by Bas-Jan Ader" by Vik Muniz. A must-see is Daniel Rosin's "Wooden Mirror," composed of 784 pieces of wood, each measuring 7 centimeters on a side, laid out like a base. Each piece is equipped with a motor, and a small camera is attached to the center of the work. The captured images create a "mirror" of light and shadow. During the press preview, Daniel demonstrated the work, saying, "Please come close to the piece. You will see your own reflection."

Actor Tomohito Yashima, who serves as the exhibition's navigator, took to the stage at the ceremony held on the 8th. He commented, "I was familiar with the works (because I had recorded the audio guide), but seeing the real thing up close was a shock that left my brain reeling. I hope visitors will immerse themselves in a mysterious world where everything they take for granted will be overturned."

This exhibition is full of fresh discoveries and surprises. Why not set aside the complicated logic and step into the "trompe l'oeil world" of contemporary art this summer?
【Event Information】
Optical Art II: Evolving Optical Art Into the Future
Venue: Bunkamura The Museum
Address: Bunkamura B1F, 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
Dates: August 9th to October 5th
Time: 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)
Admission: 1,500 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for university and high school students, 700 yen for junior high and elementary school students