Phantom Vision – Undercurrents of perception

Everything we see results from the interaction between light, our eyes and our brain. But what happens when we take light away from this equation? Our exhibition submerges into the layers of perception beneath the surface and into the world of visual phenomena and unusual sensual experiences behind our closed eyes. Into the deep layers of experiences whirling under the surface of reality visible to the naked eye: into the realm of dreams, hallucinations, meditative trance states, frequencies that pervade all yet are inaudible, images appearing behind closed eyes and phosphenes sparked off during the uncontrolled operation of neural pathways. This immersive journey will reveal aspects of reality that point beyond the readily visible world, penetrating deeply into the hidden realm of the human psyche and nature.

The central theme of our exhibition is the diversity of wave phenomena. Spanning from the dual nature of light through sound, radio and electromagnetic waves all the way to brainwaves, the displayed works throw light on how these phenomena shape our perception of reality. 

The works on the borderline between science and art lead visitors into close yet unknown areas that devote special attention to exploring the depths of the human psyche, while focusing on the strong correlation between dreams and the activity of brainwaves. They present the paradox that although dreaming is a universal human experience, sharing it with others in traditional ways comes up against linguistic barriers. AI-based image generators provide new opportunities to communicate the visual world of dreams. Placing this and similar technological breakthroughs in new contexts, the exhibition shows the effects the internet and digital devices exert on our psyche and dreams, while demonstrating how different ways of seeing and different cognitive abilities contribute to the totality of ideas we form about reality. Different neurological patterns generate unique perspectives and experiences not only during waking hours but also in dreams. The displayed works render the diversity of human experiences and perception palpable, emphasising the importance of understanding neurodiversity as well as its potentials in the world of both dreams and awake states.

The exhibition assigns a central role to rethinking our relationship with the natural environment and climate crisis. The works, which make the processes taking place in nature before our very eyes as well as its invisible connections and hidden communication networks perceptible, propose new approaches and raise new questions.

More than 35 international and Hungarian artists – including renowned artists such as Ólafur Elíasson, Brian Eno, Thijs Biersteker, Carsten Nicolai and Jon Rafman – are exhibiting their works here. Most of them created their projects by combining the tools of scientific research and poetic speculation, urging visitors to view the nature of reality from a new perspective.

Phantom Vision is also a call for immersive observation and for reformulating questions pertaining to the perception of reality. The immersive projections and interactive installations create contemplative spaces in which visitors can leave behind the rush of everyday life and delve into experiences affecting their senses and the ideas raised by the works. The exhibition invites visitors to discover, together with us, the deep currents of perception and experience how different ways of seeing and cognitive abilities can enrich our ideas about reality.

CURATORS: Barnabás Bencsik, Borbála Szalai

ASSISTANT CURATOR: Dalma Kovács

GRAPHIC DESIGN: DE_FORM