Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds
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Date Reviewed: 02/12/2018
by Irena Begelfor
Between Two Worlds is an unforgettable exhibition that showcases the extraordinary works of graphic artist M. C. Escher which are displayed in thought-provoking installations designed by nendo.
As you walk through the doors of this exhibition, you enter an altered world of possibilities. For me, it conjures up the image of Alice in Wonderland where all elements seem realistic and perfectly natural until you look closely. You experience Escher’s world of repetitive, infinite patterns. He creates mind-bending illusions through impossible yet realistic constructs and all these three dimensional architectural challenges are represented on paper.
There are over 160 pieces of Escher’s work to look through. These works have travelled from Gemeentemuseum Den Haag in The Hague, the Netherlands - the artist’s world renowned collection. They include the full spectrum of his work from 1916 until 1969.
What makes this exhibition unique is the special representation of Escher’s work by nendo. It is far from a typical presentation of neatly packed artwork, lined up like soldiers on a bare white wall.
Like Escher, Oki Sato, founder and chief designer of nendo, has a similar fascination with space. He achieves the inverse of what Escher does. Sato plays with space by manipulating how we perceive three dimensional objects into two dimensions. He does this through the use of lighting, colour, objects and perspective.
Sato’s design does not compete with Escher’s work. Instead, it compliments to spatially highlight Escher’s art, creating a rich and poignant experience.
Between Two Worlds forces us to recognise how easily our brain can be manipulated. On the one hand, we see what is before our eyes and then, switch, and we become aware how our mind is tricked into seeing something completely different.
What is real? How well do we understand space?
This is an exquisite experience. Highly recommended.
Escher X nendo | Between Two Worlds
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Exhibition continues to 7 April 2018