Outdoor sculptures that incorporate prisms or are designed to be viewed through them offer a unique fusion of art and science, creating mesmerizing optical illusions. Among the most famous is "Sky Mirror" by Anish Kapoor, a colossal concave mirror that reflects and distorts the sky, often appearing prismatic under certain lighting. Another notable example is "Cloud Gate" (also by Kapoor), though not a prism itself, its reflective surface creates prism-like effects when sunlight interacts with its curves.
James Turrell’s skyspace installations, such as "Twilight Epiphany," use natural light and prismatic apertures to transform the viewer’s perception of color and space. Similarly, "The Prism" by Alyson Shotz is a glass sculpture that refracts light into rainbow patterns, altering with the sun’s movement.
These sculptures challenge perception, inviting audiences to engage with art dynamically. Whether through mirrors, glass, or clever engineering, they prove that art isn’t just seen—it’s experienced.