Eight objects manifest cooperation between Khen Shish and Loushy | Art & Projects, configured paradoxically as a divided triptych that never reveals the whole picture.
The open object reveals the hidden parts of the triptych, two thirds of which are otherwise unseen, leading viewers into a dual process of replication. Passive replication occurs when their own reflection is linked with the mirror images like a mirage, whereas a more active role is played when the desire to perceive the complete triptych leads them to engrave within their memories, the images that disappear as the object opens or closes.
A two-dimensional mirror illusion is generally shattered optically, as the image acquires depth with no horizon. In her work,
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Shish proposes opening and closing the object as a layered vision device instead of using duplication or copying with printing technologies, absorption and reflection. Prima facie, she assumes a clearly-defined task: Framing and delimiting the time and space of vision, leaving control of reflection in the eye of the beholder. Essentially, however, she creates a seductive illusion that faces viewers off against images of themselves, but with deeper vision. Shish produces images of na?ve objects in popular culture, such as hearts, leaves and faces, using red paint and gold leaf to mediate between the reflected mirage and the traditional yearning to live happily ever after. The na?vet? and primordiality of these images and colors deviate from the tranquil visual
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