Between reality and fiction

This publication documents the exhibitions Phantoms and Other Illusions, Bodies, Grids and Ecstasy, and Frozen Mirrors at at KAI 10 | ARTHENA FOUNDATION in Düsseldorf, each of which dealt with facets of the topic of “illusion” in contemporary art. Themes and motifs range from illusionistic imitation, trompe-l'œil, and countering naturalness with artificiality to the fictionalization of spatial experiences. A further focus is put on the psychological and political meaning of the concept of illusion, as well as the impact of digital simulation and AI programs on contemporary image production. Texts on the artists and works represented in the catalogue are accompanied by essays that shed light on the topicality of the subjects of illusion and “deception” in farther reaching social contexts.