By Iris Lopez

EL PASO, Texas– A new art installation in central El Paso’s Galeria Lincoln is giving people an unconventional way of looking at art and it’s all thanks to one local artist.

“This is an immersive art installation. It’s called ‘Paradox Pyramid’ and it’s an optical illusion. It’s a bunch of straight lines creating the optical illusion of curves and dimension,” said Laura Turón, a local artist who graduated from UTEP with a double major in drawing and graphic design and a minor in painting.

Turón’s mobile art environment proudly sits in the backyard of Galeria Lincoln, a local art gallery ran by artists for artists.

“It’s kinda like a puzzle that can be set up in any space. This piece comes apart and it can be put together. The whole concept of it is to make art accessible in areas that are not common, where you wouldn’t normally see an art piece like this somewhere,” said Turón.

Her art installation will be a part of Galeria Lincoln’s ‘Last Thursday” event which showcases artwork from artists across the borderland.

“We’re just a platform here for artists in the heart of El Paso. We’re really excited about Laura because she’s been doing art for a long time in the community and she’s been interactive and engaged in the community as well,” said Diego Martinez, Co-Owner of Galeria Lincoln.

During the day, the ‘Paradox Pyramid’ is lit with natural light, but at night, LED lights illuminate the piece to give people a different art experience.

“When people come in they kind of like walk into an art world and they experience that art and everything around them. The lines start to seem like they’re moving the more that you look at it,” said Turón who spent three months creating the art installation and worked 12 to 16 hour days.

She hopes her hard work will help create an artistic escape for those who stop by to see her work.

“And for people to feel like they belong somewhere. To feel like this is their space Their safe space where they can express themselves freely and have fun and forget about everything that’s going on right now and just have fun,” said Turón.

Galeria Lincoln’s ‘Last Thursday’ event is open to people of all ages. Visitors are encouraged to book an appointment online for the event happening Thursday June 25th.

Galeria Lincoln’s staff will be taking extra precautions for this Thursday’s event. Face masks are required and art work will be placed six feet apart.

The gallery will also be selling one-of-a-kind face masks created by Turón.