Dysmetropsia is a neurological condition that distorts size and perception, often causing objects to appear smaller or larger than they really are. Also called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, the disorder is the basis of a disorienting exhibition by Berlin-based duo Elmgreen & Dragset.
Collaborating since 1995, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset are behind a slew of iconic works, perhaps most famously the full-sized boutique in the middle of the Texan desert known as “Prada Marfa.” This destination installation is representative of the artist’s enduring interest in recontextualizing seemingly common objects to explore how our interpretation and perception change.
For their exhibition at Pace Gallery in Los Angeles—their first solo show in the city—the duo continues this line of inquiry. The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome opens with a silicone gallery attendant dozing on her desk, an undrunk cup of coffee and stack of books nearby. Like the adventurous tale it references, the large-scale show invites viewers to ask whether what unfolds is real or all a hallucinatory dream.
Farther inside is a series of white marble figures recreated on two different scales. Wearing headphones and VR headsets, these nondescript characters appear perpetually distracted and immersed in their technologies of choice. On the gallery walls is a collection of circular works from the artist’s Sky Target series, which varies mirrors and cloudy expanses in stripes or concentric rings. These patterned pieces reflect the wide, open space and fragments of the sculptures, albeit through a distorted view.
As we collectively grapple with the strange, often concerning effects of living in an increasingly digital world, Elmgreen & Dragset prompt us to consider how physical presence shapes our understanding and can lead to an uncanny experience all on its own.
The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome is on view through October 25. Explore more of the artists’ work on the gallery’s website.
