THE LAB: Vision

Vision is one of the primary ways in which most of us experience the world around us. We use it to navigate routes, recognize faces, identify flora and fauna in our backyards, and appreciate a beautiful sunset. Our eyes tirelessly work in tandem with our brain to receive and process stimulus all around us, and yet most days we take our sight for granted.

As we explore the biological functions of our eyes and the science behind how our vision works, we invite you to think broadly about what vision means to you. How does our vision compare with the animal kingdom? What assumptions do we make about vision on a daily basis? And why do our own eyes play tricks on us when we view certain optical illusions? Delve into these ideas and more in this hands-free exhibition, inspired by Visionary New England.

Process Gallery: Animism in Visionary New England 

Animism is the idea that every living being, inanimate object, and natural phenomenon has a life force rooted in its core. This theme is one of three main ideas from the current exhibition, Visionary New England, and is found in the work of artists such as Sam Durant, Candice Lin, and Josephine Halvorson. This season’s hands-free Process Gallery also explores this idea through two engaging interactives. Visitors will be able to write letters to centuries-old rocks found on the grounds of deCordova, and connect with other visitors through an activity exploring the ways that trees communicate and nurture each other through the invisible root system that runs underground.