At Park Yeo Sook Gallery until September 30
First solo show in 15 years since 2010
23 works on display
'Reverspective' paintings create optical illusions
A chance to reflect on how we see the world
An exhibition of British artist Patrick Hughes (age 86), being held at Park Yeo Sook Gallery in Yongsan, Seoul, marks his first solo show in 15 years since 2010. The exhibition showcases his latest works alongside key developments from his earlier career, presenting the world of "reverspective," which is regarded as one of the most original visual experiments in contemporary art. A total of 23 pieces are on display.
Patrick Hughes' work is a bas-relief painting created on a pyramid-shaped protruding surface. The varying heights produce an optical illusion that makes the painting appear to move. Photo by Seomideum
Since first introducing reverspective painting in 1964, Patrick Hughes has spent the past 50 years developing this technique. Reverspective is a bas-relief painting created on pyramid-shaped wooden structures that protrude outward, creating an optical illusion that changes depending on the viewer's movement. By reversing the rules of perspective, the point that appears to be the furthest away in the painting is actually the closest to the viewer in physical space, allowing the audience to experience the illusion that the painting is moving. This is why Hughes's works are often described as "moving paintings."
Through this unique visual experience, Hughes poses a fundamental question to viewers: "How do we see the world, and how do we come to believe in what we see?" The illusion experienced through his works encourages viewers to reflect on the "visual truth" of the real world. How closely do what we see, what we know, and what we perceive align with the truth? Are there errors or distortions within our perceptions? This process of self-examination is the gift Hughes offers to his audience.
When moving to the right while viewing the artwork, it feels as if the painting is moving. Photo by Seo Mideum
One of the distinctive features of Hughes's work is that it requires no additional explanation for understanding. He emphasizes that art is a "universal language." In his artist's note, he writes, "What I want is for the audience to experience contradiction. When your eyes are looking one way but your body is facing the other, you are led to believe the painting is actually moving. Movement is a condition of life. My works are constantly dancing and alive, moving with the viewer's gaze and footsteps."
This exhibition encompasses the full spectrum of Hughes's artistic world. Each piece features pyramid structures that pierce through the flat surface, with varying shapes, sizes, and numbers. Experiencing the different visual effects created by these variations is one of the exhibition's highlights. Works such as "Bookstack" (2025), which explores vertical rather than horizontal changes, are also on display.
Since his first solo exhibition in 1961, Hughes's works have been shown in about 200 exhibitions in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York, as well as in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. In recognition of his dedication to visual logic, he was awarded a Doctor of Science degree by the University of London in 2014. His works are now part of major collections at institutions including the Tate Gallery, the British Library, and the British Academy. The exhibition runs until September 30.
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