The Swimming Pool Illusion

“In one of the Museum’s courtyards is a swimming pool framed by a limestone deck. When seen from the deck, the pool appears to be filled with deep, shimmering water. In fact, however, a layer of water only some 10 centimeters deep is suspended over transparent glass.” One of the objectives of this artistic project is to create a different viewing experience for spectators — e.g. allowing them to see things in a distorted and rippled manner as if underwater. “The Swimming Pool” was developed by Leandro Erlich.

 

Below the glass is an empty space with aquamarine walls that viewers can enter. The work sets up an unfolding sequence of experiences — we view the pool through the glass wall enclosing the courtyard; from the deck, looking down into the pool; and from the interior of the pool, looking up. The Swimming Pool might hence be considered a place where, slowly, with time, different perspectives and perceptions of self and others all come to intersect.