Anthony Iacono's Trompe L’œil at Capsule Shanghai

Anthony Iacono's second solo exhibition, "Trompe L’œil," is being showcased at Capsule Shanghai from April 18 to June 6, 2026. This exhibition delves into the realm of illusionistic painting, notably referencing Raphaelle Peale's "Venus Rising from the Sea" as a key example. Originally from Nyack, NY, and now residing in Philadelphia, Iacono primarily utilizes collage techniques with painted papers, producing images that seem flawless yet reveal cut edges and layered surfaces upon closer examination. His move to Philadelphia influences his work, which draws inspiration from the city's trompe l'oeil murals and storefronts. The display includes studio still-lifes featuring items like postcards and coins, arranged to engage viewers in a perceptual challenge. Installed at various heights, some pieces require kneeling, and the partition walls create a maze-like atmosphere, blending privacy with awkwardness. Iacono's visual language functions like a code, imbuing everyday objects with deeper meanings, while the exhibition disrupts the connection between observation and interpretation, allowing for nuanced understanding through suggestion and timing.