Loreto Normanhurst
Underpinned by the theory of existentialism, illusio explores the philosophical realm of a subjective reality and its influence on an individual’s search for purpose in human existence. Upon taking a closer look inside the life-size doorway, our image stares back at us in the mirror and reminds us that we are the opportunities the world presents. illusio essentially denotes a surreal image of existence – an image so bizarre we are instinctively inquisitive about whether it is merely a mirage or whether it is a tangible reality.
Compare and contrast Waterfall by Mat Collishaw and illusio by Kate Devlin. The mirror plays an important role in each work. Write a list of words that describe a mirror symbolically and literally. How has the mirror been used in traditional and contemporary art practice?
Create a body of work with a mirror as a significant element. Exhibit your work in class. Write a curatorial statement to support your exhibition, and discuss your inspirations and influences in the text.