The installation above is by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich. The installation is currently being displayed at Le 104 in Paris as part of their In_Perceptions exhibition. Erlich creates the illusions in the photos above by “recreating an entire building facade on the ground and installing a gigantic mirror tilted 45 degrees”, giving participants the chance to visually experience weightlessness. Erlich is known for installations that defy the basic laws of physics and confuses the audience. In the past, he has done an incredible installation titled ‘Fake Swimming Pool’ (shown above), which was exhibited in the 21st Century Museum of Art at Kanazawa, Japan. The amazing optical illusion of the building facade is on display through March 2012, if you so happen to be in France, be sure to check out this amazing installation.

For more information on Erlich’s work, please visit leandroerlich.com.ar

Matthieu Stahl is a talented French artist from the future. Influenced by Punk Rock and Street culture, Stahl uses a critical mind to examine the evolving world in which he lives in. When he creates his drawings, he thinks of how his work fits in with the urban landscape surrounding him. As you can see from his works above, Stahl’s work does not disappoint the eye. His work is abstract in a sense that it compels the audience to question how they are a part of the urban space they live in. Stahl likes to use thick lines and concrete colors to create a futuristic feeling to his work that is essential to his style. He constructs his images with simple elements such as broken lines, marks and fragmented sentences.

For more information on Stahl’s work, please visit mattalabass.tumblr.com

Above: “Hiding in New York No. 1 - Wall Street Bull” - 2011

Above: “Hiding in the City No. 92 - Temple of Heaven” - 2010

Above: “Hiding in New York No. 3 - Magazine Rack” - 2011

Above: “Teatro alla Scala” - 2010

Above: “Hiding in the City No. 93 - Supermarket No. 2” - 2010

Above: “Hiding in the City No. 71 - Bulldozer” - 2008

Above: “Hiding in the City No. 16 & No. 17 - People’s Policeman” - 2006

Born in 1973 in Shandong, China, Liu Bolin is a Chinese artist known for taking photographs of himself being painted all over to blend in with the environment. Liu is also called “China’s Invisible Man”, where it will take up to four hours for his assistants to paint him. During the process, he must be completely still. According to Liu, his work is an attempt to represent the diminishing human emotions in today’s society. He wants to use his art to be a reflection on culture, the environment and the fast economic development in China. After hours of tedious work, Liu is able to successfully appear invisible in the photograph. Liu has painted himself into various parts of Beijing. And over the past few years, he has exhibited work in the UK, France and Italy. He graduated from the Sculpture Department of Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

(Source: Yahoo!)

Takashi Murakami’s “As the Interdimensional Waves Run Through Me, I can Distinguish Between the Voices of Angels and Devil” (2011)

Despite financial volatility in the European economies, it appears that many rich art collectors are looking to luxury art as a safe haven for investments. Last week, art dealers, collectors and exhibitors from around the world gathered at one of the biggest international art fairs, the Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain (FIAC) in France. The fair was a tremendous success, beating its English rival Art Basel, based on price points and the diverse collection of artists. According to theartnewspaper.com, this year’s FIAC “has been hailed by dealers and visitors alike as one of the best editions ever of the 38-year-old event, if not the best.” The Paris event showcases pieces by emerging artists and pieces by high profile artists. Some of the works included a 1960s Picasso “Musketeer” painting, a sculpture of 100 fish by Damien Hirst valued at $2.8 million and a 2.7 meter Manga-style Takashi Murakami painting of a dog on a pile of skulls valued at $2 million (shown above). The FIAC is held at the Grand Palais, Paris, through Oct. 23.

For more information on the FIAC, please visit fiac.com

Source: businessweek.com