Elmgreen & Dragset, the Berlin-based duo known for their thought-provoking installations, have recently unveiled a new exhibition at Pace Gallery in Los Angeles. Titled “The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome,” the show explores themes of perception, reality, and the impact of technology on our lives.
One of the central motifs of the exhibition is dysmetropsia, also known as Alice in Wonderland Syndrome, a neurological condition that distorts size and perception, making objects appear larger or smaller than they really are. This concept sets the stage for a series of immersive installations that challenge viewers to question what is real and what is a hallucinatory dream.
The exhibition opens with a silicone figure of a gallery attendant dozing at her desk, surrounded by everyday objects like a cup of coffee and books. This scene invites viewers to step into a surreal world where the boundaries between reality and fiction blur.
Inside the gallery, visitors encounter a series of white marble figures depicted in two different scales, each seemingly absorbed in their own virtual reality experience. These sculptures, along with a collection of circular works from the artists’ “Sky Target” series, create a disorienting atmosphere where reflections and distorted views play a central role.
As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Elmgreen & Dragset’s exhibition prompts us to reflect on how technology shapes our perception and understanding of the world around us. By recontextualizing common objects and exploring the boundaries of reality, the artists invite us to consider the ways in which physical presence can lead to uncanny and surreal experiences.
“The Alice in Wonderland Syndrome” is on view at Pace Gallery through October 25. To explore more of Elmgreen & Dragset’s work, visit the gallery’s website.
