SEE: Prospect Park History On Display In Optical Illusion Exhibit

Park Slope NY

17 November, 2021

11:19 AM

Description

PROSPECT PARK, BROOKLYN — A new art exhibit in Prospect Park uses a series of optical illusions to take parkgoers on a journey through the park's centuries-long history. The "Lenticular Histories" installation — set up near the Bartel-Pritchard Square entrance — uses tools dating back to the 16th century like lenticulars, stereoscopes and prisms to display photos of the park from the 1800s to today. "The sculpture features three objects of optical illusion...which combine to blend reflections, rainbow-colored light, and history into a singular working system alluding to the intertwined chaos and harmony of public spaces," according to organizers. The display, sponsored by Photoville, is the latest public art piece from artist Rose DeSiano, whose work has appeared throughout New York City, San Diego and Cleveland. It aims to celebrate acts of "leisure and activism" using photos from private collections, public archives and New York journalists. Hailing from the Brooklyn Public Library, Library of Congress, The Henry Ford Foundation, photojournalist Todd Maisel, NYC Parks Department Photo Archives and the Prospect Park Alliance Photo Archives, the photos range from a 1967 mass wedding in the park, to croquet players from the late 19th century and 2020 protests in Grand Army Plaza. A full list of photos can be found on DeSiano's website. Here's a peak at the exhibit: