If you ever travel to Japan, consider making a trip out to Ishikawa prefecture. In addition to its many natural landscapes, this central region is home to the renown 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. In the museum’s courtyard, you will find a swimming pool conceived by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich. From the top, it appears as though the pool is completely filled. It even comes with a climbing ladder! In reality, there is a layer of water — about 10 cm deep — suspended over transparent glass. Visitors can occupy the empty space below, where they will be surrounded by aquamarine walls that project the illusion that they are underwater. Erlich is known for creating art that undermines the human senses and investigates perception and cognition with a dimension of trompe-l’œil. The permanent installation was completed in 2004, and temporary exhibitions were introduced at New York’s MoMAPS1 (1999) and the Venice Biennale. **Scroll below for photos featuring Leandro Erlich’s *Swimming Pool*:**
