leandro erlich conjures optical illusions in 'over the threshold' exhibition at palazzo reale

Leandro erlich’s first european exhibition

Argentine artist Leandro Erlich has come to Milan and brought with him numerous works of optical illusions showcased in Palazzo Reale, Milan for his first large-scale solo exhibition in Europe. From April 22nd to October 4th, 2023, Erlich toys with the visitors’ imagination, often grinding their steps to a halt as they inquire about the surrealism of his works. How can visitors climb up a building without putting themselves in danger? The eyes see what the mind is yet to uncover. ‘Over the Threshold’ bears Erlich’s vision of creativity, vision, emotion, and fun to fruition, coming together in the art realm.

Erlich has unearthed the essence of conceptual exploration in art as he laces his site-specific installations in ‘Over the Threshold’ with his appreciation for creative mind games. His visitors may climb his buildings and enable them to pretend to fall. His houses float in the air, a contrast to his clouds made of several transparent panels. People may suddenly appear from his infinite spiraling staircase even if the orientation of the steps goes up. Only the shadow and reflection of people show up in his haunting, abandoned-like classroom. For years now, Erlich has mastered site-specific installations characterized by their highly complex and playfully appealing personalities.

Leandro Erlich, Shikumen (2004), A building facade laid flat under a mirror suspended at a 45-degree angle Dimensions variable Fourteen different facades each specific to the city that hosted the temporary installation | header: Leandro Erlich. Infinite staircase (2005), Metal structure, MDF, flooring, handrail, mirrors and lights 300x350x700 cm | images courtesy of Arthemisia and Palazzo Reale (unless stated)

‘Over the threshold’ explores the perceptual bases of reality

Leandro Erlich offers a perceptual test in ‘Over the Threshold’. Would they take his installations at face value and move forward, or quiz the artistic and technical features of how he managed to carry out his whimsical bodies of work? The architecture of the everyday recurs in Erlich’s art, the foundation of a dialogue between what one believes and what one sees, just as it seeks to bridge the gap between museum space and everyday experience.

‘I like to present myself as a conceptual artist working in the realm of reality and perception. My subject is reality, symbols and the potential for meaning. I strive to create a body of work – especially in the public sphere – that is open to the imagination, subverts normality, rethinks representation, and proposes actions that construct and deconstruct situations to disrupt reality. Speaking generally,’ says Leandro Erlich.

In ‘Over the Threshold’, the presence of windows may shepherd the metaphor of outsiders looking in, strangers gathering but never meeting. When viewers peer through these windows, at times their reflections dissipate before they can even pass through the other side. Stirring up questions, doubts, and emotions in the public interacting with his works is Leandro Erlich’s primary thought, and it is the viewer’s participation that makes the work complete. Promoted by the Municipality of Milan-Culture, ‘Over the Threshold’ is produced and organized by Palazzo Reale and Arthemisia in collaboration with Studio Erlich and Galleria Continua, and is curated by Francesco Stocchi. 

‘Leandro Erlich: Over the Threshold’ inauguration

image © designboom

Leandro Erlich, Changing rooms (2008), Paneling, stools, golden frames, mirrors, curtains, carpet and lights, dimensions variable | image courtesy of Galleria Continua

Leandro Erlich, Lost garden (2009), Metal structure, bricklike wall, windows, mirrors, acrylic, column, artificial plants, and lights 257x356x180 cm

Leandro Erlich, The cloud (2021), Digital ceramic ink printed on ultra-clear glass, wooden case, and LED lights Dimensions variable and different series | image courtesy of Galleria Continua

image © designboom

leandro erlich | image © designboom

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Leandro Erlich, Window captive reflection (2013), Wood, metal structure, acrylic, 42-inch screen, wooden shutters, video player and video animation 120x100x25 cm

Leandro Erlich, Blind window (2016), Fiberglass reinforced resin, tempered glass, and stainless steel stand 233x175x30 cm

Leandro Erlich, El avión (2011), Metal structure, fiberglass reinforced resin, 32-inch screen, video player, and video animation 100x14x110 cm

Leandro Erlich, Night flight (2015), Fiberglass reinforced resin, metal structure, 32- inch screen, video player, and video animation 100x14x110 cm

 

Leandro Erlich, Elevator pitch (2011), Metal structure, stainless steel, automatic door, back projection screen, video player, speakers, elevator button, and projector 252x280x37 cm

Leandro Erlich, Subway (2009), Stainless steel door, metal structure, 42-inch screen, video player, and video animation 200x100x20 cm

Leandro Erlich, Rain (1999), Metal structure, wood board, windows, bricklike interior, water circulation system, sound, and strobe light system 244x140x50 cm

project info:

name: Over the Threshold

artist: Leandro Erlich

exhibition museum: Palazzo Reale

location: Piazza del Duomo, 12 in Milan, Italy

dates: April 22nd to October 4th, 2023