CAMELOT Theatrical Special Effects

The work of the artist Kurt Wenner speaks for itself, especially his phenomenal "sidewalk art" which takes days to create and each is a masterpiece in itself. Wenner's pieces feature caverns into the depths of hell with demons crawling upward, huge pools with reflections of the live actors standing next to them and even marble pedestals with actual people standing on them... all two-dimensional artwork giving the impression of being actual objects in a three-dimensional world.

While the viewing angle is critical to these works, which lend themselves only to "front-on" viewing (such as photography) or the trick becomes apparent, they utilize the concept of "perspective" as an optical illusion that is seldom considered. I got to thinking one day: "What if you needed walls, columns or furniture on a proscenium stage as a set for a choir or as a special effect?" Take a look and see for yourselves, especially at this piece entitled "Cocito" done in Pasadena, CA in 1988. No, those people are not elevated!

Set designers: try this trick at home. Cut a piece of paper into a long trapezoid then lay it on a table, long edge to the back. Now step backward until it becomes a rectangle. Get the idea?

posted by C. J. # 7:37 PM