black and white video animation still of a woman in a long dark dress standing on what looks like a snake

Phantom Canyon

A Digital Circuit
August 25, 2019 – October 18, 2020

Journey along the circuit of balconies, landings, and stairs within the atrium of the museum's Hamilton Building to discover the 15 digital artworks that make up Phantom Canyon: A Digital Circuit.

A moving image is comprised of a series of still images, shown in rapid succession, to produce the illusion of fluid motion. The afterimage—or ghost—of one picture stays in our eye for a fleeting moment allowing our brain to merge it with the next. When we see action on a screen, it’s created through a succession of blended phantom images. Each of the artworks on view depends on the afterimage to create the appearance of movement.

As you discover each of the 15 digital artworks in Phantom Canyon, perhaps this space will feel more like a canyon filled with scenic stops that offer a glimpse into each artist’s imagination.

Share your visit online using #PhantomCanyonatDAM
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Hamilton Building
Included in general admission

Stacey Steers, still from Phantom Canyon, 2006. Single-channel video, with sound (edition 2 of 10); 9 min 30 sec. Denver Art Museum: Gift of the artist, 2011.236.1-4. © Stacey Steers

Tatsuo Miyajima, ENGI, 2006. Light-emitting diode (LED) counters, mirrors, steel wall brackets, electrical wires, and transformers. Lent from the City and County of Denver Commission on Cultural Affairs, 2006 Public Art Program.

Jenny Holzer, Selections from Truisms, 1983. Electronic LED sign. Denver Art Museum: Funds from Carol and Eric Schwartz, 1988.90. © Jenny Holzer

Mark Wallinger, still from Angel, 1997. Video with sound; 7 min 30 sec. Denver Art Museum: Gift of Polly and Mark Addison, 2010.430.1-4. © Mark Wallinger

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Family looking drawing while looking at art at the Denver Art Museum

Activities for Kids and Families

Visiting with the whole family? Make sure to check out our Creativity Resource page. There you'll find DIY activities, gallery games, lesson plans, book recommendations, and more to enhance your experience both at the museum and at home.

Phantom Canyon: A Digital Circuit is organized by the Denver Art Museum. It is generously funded by the donors to the Annual Fund Leadership Campaign and the residents who support the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD). Promotional support is provided by 5280 Magazine and CBS4.