Rethinking How We See: John Ericson on Visual Perception

Members of the Society and a large number of guests gathered this month at the Artmadams Hotel in Palma de Mallorca to hear a fascinating talk by John Ericson. The atmosphere was lively from the outset, with every seat taken and a palpable sense of anticipation in the room.

In his engaging lecture, Ericson explored the way we interpret the images that surround us every day. “Images are all around us, not just in art galleries and museums but in the media and the wider world,” he noted. He challenged the audience to consider how accurately we truly perceive our visual environment and offered practical insights into sharpening both perception and appreciation.

Guests were particularly intrigued by a series of deceptively simple visual experiments. Many were surprised to discover how easily their perception could be misled, prompting both laughter and thoughtful reflection throughout the room.

Following the talk, attendees stayed on to enjoy tapas, drinks and animated conversation. Thanks to the astonishingly mild weather, the buffet was served both indoors and out on the terrace, providing a perfect setting to continue discussions long into the evening.

Photos by Jane Falla