"Architectural Optics: Total Transformation of a Gallery"
2002-08-01 until 2002-08-28
Gallery of Photography
Dublin, , IE Ireland

The Gallery of Photography is turning the world upside-down during the month of August. The main gallery has been transformed into a large-scale, walk-in camera, known as a camera obscura or darkened chamber. Step inside the giant camera to experience live pictures of the world magically turned upside down. These views are realtime, full colour images of extraordinary beauty. It is a fascinating experience which will enchant viewers of all ages.

The camera obscura is based on the scientific principle that light passing through an aperture or pinhole into a darkened room will project an inverted image opposite the aperture. This optical phenomenon was known since ancient times. It was employed by artists such as Canaletto and Vermeer.

This special installation in the Gallery of Photography is the result of a collaboration between John Tuomey (of ODonnell+Tuomey the architects of the Gallery building), and the American artist Richard Torchia. The collaboration brought together these leading practitioners in a creative dialogue on the subject of the camera obscura and related optical devices. Thus, in addition to the camera, Richard Torchia is exhibiting small scale optical sculptures, made specifically in response to the various spaces and materials in the Gallery building.

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