On the limits of human cognition. Light and shadow

On the limits of human cognition. Light and Shadow

Krupa Art Foundation, Wrocław, Poland.

Curator - Anna Stec

Daniel O'Toole
The Eye of Butterfly, 2024
Immersive Projection

Beyond the spectrum of visible light (between approximately 380 and 750 nanometers), there exists a very broad range of electromagnetic radiation that the human eye cannot perceive. In this parallel reality, filled with colours impossible for humans, some animal species navigate using infrared or ultraviolet vision. The vibrant world of these beings extends far beyond the limits of human perception. It is likely that we will never be able to see or describe the world as seen by Papilio xuthus (yellow Asian butterfly), hummingbirds, or mantis shrimp (so-called boxing shrimp).

Daniel O'Toole draws inspiration from the Light and Space movement in his work and explores the phenomenon of synaesthesia. His artistic practice typically involves combining digital and analog tools. In The Eye of Butterfly, using immersive technology and the accessible for humans range of the rainbow spectrum , the artist weaves an imaginative portrayal of a colourful reality beyond the visual range of our species.