Eyes, lies and illusions

Optical toys, camera obscuras, magic lanterns, stereoscopes, printed tricks and even a bit of magic can be seen in a new exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London. The show has been curated with the help of Nick Wade, Professor of Visual Psychology.

Presenting part of the collection of German filmmaker, Werner Nekes, the exhibition also includes work by contemporary artists who play with light in a variety of ways.

Nick assisted Werner in the selection of material for the exhibition, and will accompany him on a public tour of the exhibition on November 23.  His interest in the history of optical toys, and his own production of optical art, has resulted in this collaboration with Werner and also with Ludwig Wilding - one of the other artists exhibiting at the Hayward.

left: Chrys by Nicholas Wade