after exhibiting it in front of the louvre in paris last year, the french artist vincent leroy continues his experiments around the phenomena of perception and installs ‘slow lens’ in the canals of venice, italy. the giant installation of about sixty magnifying glasses spins slowly above the water of venice creating a mix of effect and environment.

vincent leroy imagines a giant mobile of magnifying glasses suspended in the canals of venice 1
all images courtesy of vincent leroy
the installation blends into the landscape like a mirage

 

 

the moving surface by vincent leroy is volatile and almost imperceptible. it is superimposed on the environment while transforming it, like a mirage. the installation’s multiple facets react to light, reflections from water, and buildings to create a kaleidoscopic, abstract, and changing vision. the project acts as a filter between passers-by and reality and offers them another reading that is both dreamlike and poetic.

vincent leroy imagines a giant mobile of magnifying glasses suspended in the canals of venice 2
the kaleidoscopic effect overlaps reality

 

 

vincent leroy imagines mobile of magnifying glass floating in venice
a surprise appearance in rio di san antonin

vincent leroy imagines mobile of magnifying glass floating in venice
the installation floating above venetian boats

vincent leroy imagines mobile of magnifying glass floating in venice
detail view of the lens

vincent leroy imagines giant mobile of magnifying glass floating above venetian boats
view from rio di san giovanni laterano

vincent leroy imagines giant mobile of magnifying glass floating above venetian boats
view from a boat passing under the installation

 

 

project info:

 

name: slow lens

designer: vincent leroy

location: venice, italy 

music by: jerome echenoz / adorable studio

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: yasmina karam | designboom