Reality Check

Concept
The exhibition was structured around four thematic pairs: Self / Other, Figure / Form, Object / Subject, and Global / Local. Each theme explored the idea that realism reflects the world around us and, in doing so, reveals our own perspective and position within it. The visitor journey started close to the individual with intimate, personal works and gradually expanded toward broader social and global reflections. Within each section, the tension between opposing terms emphasized interaction and multiple viewpoints. The notion of reflection, both literal and conceptual, ran as a continuous thread throughout the selection and presentation.

What did we create?
Studio Met Met and Dana Dijkgraaf developed a design centered on reflection and perspective. The visual language combined modern typography with subtly flipped letterforms, a strong color narrative, and a spatial system of abstract shapes. These shapes visualized the themes and their contrasts and were translated into sculptural wall elements. The sides of these structures were covered with mirrors, creating a dynamic interplay between artworks, visitors, and space. Titles and text panels also incorporated mirrored surfaces, resulting in a cohesive and immersive environment. As the exhibition moved from personal themes toward global perspectives, the color palette gradually shifted from warm to cooler tones. The exhibition title itself was composed of mirrored elements mounted at different angles, producing a constantly changing image of reality. Text panels were printed in black on color with softly fading edges, balancing clarity with the reflective atmosphere.

Sparkles
The mirrored walls and elements made visitors part of the exhibition itself. Their reflections continuously shifted between artworks and space, creating an ever-changing experience. The design made the theme of realism tangible and contemporary, showing that our perception of reality is never fixed but always in motion.