Trick Eye uses an art technique called Trompe-l’oeil (Trick of the eye). It turns two-dimensional paintings into three-dimensional images through the use of optical illusions, in other words, 2D paintings on the museum walls, floors and ceilings appear to step out of the surface and come to life. Visitors are more than welcome to explore various themed galleries with their eyes, hands and cameras. Step inside the paintings to complete their visual narratives with your creative poses and watch a “tricky” story unfold before your camera. At Trick Eye Museum, you can learn about art and culture and make fun at the same time, and have unforgettable memories with your family, friends and loved ones.
TRICK EYE MUSEUM WHAT WE ARE PROUD OF
Please touch! Museum
Visitors to the Trick Eye Museum will not find signs such as ‘don’t touch’ or ‘no flash’. We allow people to touch and take photos of each of the displayed works.
Interactive! Museum
Each artwork on display is completed through active participation by the visitors. Trick Eye Museum is an interactive museum where one can become an actor, director and a photographer.
TrickEye! Mustum
Trick Eye Museum features oversized optical illusion paintings and installations that trick both your eyes and the camera lens. Paintings on plain surfaces come alive through the use of optical illusions.
History of Trick Eye
Although ‘Trompe-l’oeil, the word that Trick Eye derived from, came into popular use around the 17th century, the technique has roots in both the ancient Greek and Roman periods. In ancient cities such as Pompeii, several murals were founded with painted doors, windows and hallways, which suggest a wider spatial effect. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Trompe-l’oeil style was also disappeared into history. The discovery of perspective in the 14th century, however, triggered the re-emergence of optical illusion in paintings in both art and architecture. It was only in the 18th century, however, that the term Trompe-l’oeil came into use. As surprisingly realistic still life paintings gained popularity among 17th century French courts and wealthy families, the arty term Trompe-l’oeil came to be widely used.
Today Trompe-l’oeil is indeed at the center of attention for its aesthetic effects and educational values and is seen in a vast array of areas: fine art, architecture and fashion design to name but a few.
Trick Eye Museum Chronology
2014
Inauguration of Singapore Sentosa Trick Eye Museum
Inauguration of Trick Eye Museum in Hong Kong
2013
Inauguration of Jeju Trick Eye Museum
Inauguration of Busan Trick Eye Museum at BIFF (relocation)
Opening of Hongdae Ice Museum
Opening of Hongdae Love Museum
Establishment of Trick Eye Factory
2012
Inauguration of Busan Trick Eye Museum
Awarded Social Welfare Merit by Maposu Social Welfare Council
