“The Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich

You’d never guess this break from reality art installation has been around for 15 years because the idea seems totally fresh. Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich created “The Swimming Pool” in 2004 as a permanent art installation that’s also an optical illusion and an experiential work at the same time. In a courtyard with a limestone deck frame, you’ll find a pool like no other. The exhibit allows viewers to look down and see people virtually underwater, separated by a 10cm layer of water over a transparent glass viewing pane, while those below are in a type of suspended reality with the play of light through the water that bounces off the aquamarine-colored walls. You can go see and experience “The Swimming Pool” for yourself at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. “No diving” is assumed.