Optical Illusions via Three-Dimensional Perceptions: “Form and Nature” by Galante + Lacman @ The Botanical Gardens, Palermo

Fashion fans may be familiar with Maurizio Galante's designs and opera costumes, but people who are into architecture and interior design know that Galante is also the creator of pretty unique pieces and objects together with Tal Lancman. Some of their most original creations are currently scattered around the Botanical Gardens in Palermo and they form a rather peculiar series of installations by the collective title of "Form and Nature".

Galante and Lacman are well-known for their printed flexible seatings or footrests with internal anatomical rigid structure and plastic base plus a bi-elastic technical-fabric cover with prints of complex digital images. These pieces, featuring animals and cacti plants perfectly camouflage in and outside the gardens, while the "Canapé Cactus", a fun sofa that looks like an agglomerate of circular cacti, can be spotted in the main building.

The "Wow" folding screen and "Carrara" bed with a print of marble stone are hidden among the statues and grand spaces.

While most pieces in this installation look spectacular for the way they camouflage with the surrounding spaces and for the fact that they create optical illusions via three-dimensional perceptions, the marble pieces also tackle issues of weight and tactile surfaces: only by touching them visitors will realise they are softer and lighter than real marble.

The exhibition also covers all stages of the collection – from concept (via sketches and drawings) to final product – but these aspects will be more appreciated by professionals. All other visitors (of all ages) will appreciate more the optical illusions that make of "Form and Nature" a fun exhibition about interior design with very unexpected twists.