The Immersive World Of “Wonderland Dreams”
Occupying the former premises of a Best Buy, visitors can now travel down a rabbit hole into the immersive dreamscape of “Wonderland Dreams.” This “Alice In Wonderland”-inspired exhibition is the brainchild of artist Alexa Meade. Located on Fifth Avenue in Midtown, New York, the exhibition is an immersion into living works of art. The exhibition asks on its website: “Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a painting, living within the art itself as you become part of a living canvas? All of this and more awaits you at Wonderland Dreams!”
This otherworldly experience is truly inspired by the novel of Lewis Carroll, and, like the titular character of Alice, viewers are taken on a magical adventure as they navigate the interconnected rooms. The thirty rooms and 26,000 square feet are vibrant, whimsical, and dreamlike spaces. Ranging in size, color, and dimensionality, each part of the gallery contributes to a larger narrative. Like the timeless tale, the installation includes the throne room of the Queen of Hearts. the Mad Hatter’s tea party, and the colorful mushrooms of the forest.
On entering the venue, viewers are met with floor-to-ceiling artistry. Transformed by the more than 2,000 gallons of paint used, Meade’s vision is expressed through her distinctive technique. By throwing off depth and scale, fantasy and reality blur. The illusions convert 2d images into 3d experiences.
Th exhibition includes interactive parts where viewers can contribute to the installation through a DIY painting studio. Like her own audience, Meade considers her process for “Wonderland Dreams” to be dynamic: “As I paint and the artwork evolves, I find myself embarking on an unpredictable journey.”
“The emergence of various facets throughout the process creates a living, breathing masterpiece,” the artist said.
Meade’s portfolio boasts of high-profile undertakings, including the painting of singer Ariana Grande for a music video. Her installations have graced galleries and festivals alike. Reflecting on her broader artistic endeavors, Meade remarked, “My art has conveyed potent messages, touching on topics like police brutality and, more recently, a short film addressing climate change. Art possesses a unique ability to communicate with individuals in ways that words sometimes fail, resonating deeply and making a significant impact on the heart.”
Since its opening, “Wonderland Dreams” has seen over 100,000 visitors. Its run will be ending on September 3rd of this year.
Featured Image Via Alexa Meade