Leandro Erlich is an Argentinian artist who is known for his installations that seem to break the rules of physics and confuse the viewer by putting them in strange places that make them temporarily lose their sense of balance or space.

“Swimming Pool” is one of his most well-known and well-liked works. Erlich has built a full-size pool with a deck, a ladder, and everything else that goes with it. From the deck, the pool looks like it is full of deep, sparkling water. In fact, there is a thin layer of water about 10 centimeters deep on top of clear glass.

Under the glass, there is a room with aquamarine walls that people can go into. The work sets up a series of experiences that build on each other. We see the pool through the glass wall that surrounds the courtyard; from the deck looking down into the pool, and from inside the pool looking up. So, you could say that the pool is a place where, over time, different ways of seeing yourself and others slowly come together.

Fake swimming pools were installed at the PS1 Art Center in New York and the 21st Century Art Museum in Kanazawa, Japan.

Credit: boredpanda Website: leandroerlich.com.ar | Sources: 2

New York, PS1 Art Center

Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich

Image credits: Amaury Laporte

Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich

Japan, 21st Century Art Museum

Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich
Fake Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich

Image Credits: NAKAMICHI Atsushi / Nacása & Partners