Dan Graham


The two way mirror curved side has anamorphic properties creating on the interior a concave "fun-house" mirror enlargement of the children's bodies. On the reverse side there is a concave optical reduction.

The facing side, with concave 2 way mirror, flat 2 way mirror and 2 punched aluminum screens, creates a labyrinth of somewhat "virtual reality" The punched aluminum gives a "peep show" look at other children on the reverse side. while the 2 way mirror is more "filmic."

The punched aluminum seen in relation the curved and flat 2 way mirror sides produces moiré patterns, especially arresting when the spectator moves.

Two way mirror is both reflective and transparent. The side which receives more light at a given moment will be more reflective than transparent but is in a constant state of flux. In my room the shift of lighting occurs as the light of the computer screens changes sometimes being temporarily blocked by moving children,

The overhead sunlight also causes changes.

Children might focus on the bodies and eyes of other children on either side of the 2 way mirror or on themselves being looked at by the children on the other side who also see themselves in a mirror reflecting. The work shows to viewers their own perceptual process.

"Children's Library"

19.8.96