Eyes, lies and illusions - Laurent Mannoni

Light and shadow, reflection, colour and motion - these are the primary elements of visual art. Shadow play, tricks of perspective, anamorphoses and magic lanterns have fascinated artists and craftsmen throughout the centuries and continue to inspire and stimulate the imagination to this day. The Art of Illusion explores this world of perceptual paradox through the astonishing collection of the German experimental filmmaker Werner Nekes, and the work of contemporary artists including Christian Boltanski, Carsten Holler, Tony Oursler and Markus Raetz. The Art of Illusion illustrates a vast range of intriguing optical media and artworks from the sixteenth to the twenty-first centuries - manuscripts, prints and books, optical devices and experiments, early cameras, games and toys. This handsome volume incorporates optical tricks, puzzles and illusions, which are sure to make it a collector's item. It will appeal to everyone interested in the history of art, cinema, science and ideas and visual culture from the Renaissance to the present day.