German artists Thomas Granseuer and Tomislav Topic—together known as Quintessenz—have recently created a site-specific art installation as part of the Paxos Contemporary Art Project. Taking place on the island of Paxos in the Adriatic sea, the duo have created colourful displays that look like pixelated Photoshop effects.

The pixelated installations have transformed a 400-year-old derelict stone building on Paxos; made from a combination of materials, it uses layers of colourful spray-painted fabric to create an abstract spectrum of rainbow hues. In fact, this latest piece references some of Quintessenz’s previous works, including the Paradis Perdus installation in Les Baux-de-Provence, France, as well as Flickering Lights, created for Panorama Fashion Week in Berlin.

In all of those installations, the artists use layers as a way to interact with light conditions and points of view. When viewed together, the fabric seems to blur and merge into soft gradients that look digitally pixelated. They contrast against the old, grey stone buildings, and the floating fabric changes depending on the observer’s movement.

Tomislav said they aim to design works that “are kind of disorienting,” and this includes playing with perception. They wanted to deliver something that looks “digital in the analog world.” And although Quintessenz’s installations look incredible when captured on camera, the duo’s distinctive works are always best viewed in person:

“We hope that the visitors of our work leave their mobile phone cameras in their pockets for a moment and simply enjoy the light and the translation of the wind in the material.”

Paxos Contemporary Art Project runs through September 9. If you want to see more of Quintessenz’s installations, check out their website and Instagram.

Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/90206637/this-beautiful-art-installation-looks-like-photoshop-its-not