Unique Paris-based gallery that turns your eye into artwork opens new location in Niagara Falls
Published August 11, 2023 at 3:28 pm
If you’re looking for a piece of art that will truly be unique to you–it will, after all, be crafted in the likeness of your eye–you can check out a newly-opened gallery in Niagara Falls.
Iris Galerie, a unique art concept that originated in France during the height of the pandemic that turns customers’ eyes into works of art, is expanding and recently opened a store in the Fallsview Casino Resort in Niagara Falls.
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According to Retail Insider, the company was founded in Paris in 2021 after the founder, Emeric Wehbe, decided to emphasize the beauty of eyes in a world where everyone was masking to slow COVID transmission.
The article says Iris Galerie now boasts more than 100 locations worldwide, with four in Canada.
As for how it works, Iris Galerie’s website says customers can arrive at the shop (with or without an appointment) and a staff member will photograph their iris and optimize the image in just a few minutes.
“We take a picture of your eye in seconds, take the photograph of your iris and turn it into a piece of art using our cutting-edge technology,” the website’s FAQ says.
Up to five irises can be placed on the same print.
Prints range from 15 cm to 150 cm wide, with square, rectangular, round and other formats available. The final product can be placed on photo paper or laminated on aluminum dibond or acrylic surfaces.
The website says customers must show up in person to have their eyes photographed (so sending in digital images won’t work).
The gallery can photograph the eyes of people of all ages, but the website says children five and older tend to be more able to sit still for the process. The website says that the shop cannot photograph pets at this time, but that could change in the future.
Ultimately, the experience aims to create a piece of art that no one else will have.
“We offer a unique experience: capturing the essence of your eyes and immortalizing your iris through a technology that combines photography and high-quality printing. The uniqueness, colours and details of your eyes are our inspiration,” the website says.