The indoor rainbow baffling the internet

This vibrant spectrum is not the result of refracted light. It is instead an incredible illusion, created from thousands of threads. Photo / Toledo Museum of Art

A spectacular rainbow has appeared in the centre of an art gallery - and it's been baffling visitors.

The amazing installation was created by Mexican artist Gabriel Dawe, who has been tricking visitors into believing they are seeing the meteorological wonder indoors.

Dawe's installation, Plexus No.35, was created especially for the Great Gallery of Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio.

Mexican artist Gabriel Dawe has been tricking visitors with his illusion. Photo / Toledo Museum of Art

But this vibrant spectrum is not the result of refracted light. It is instead an incredible illusion, created from thousands of threads.

The dazzling textile installation has been designed to look like it is twisting from the ceiling window and bouncing rays of colourful light across the room.

Originally a graphic designer, Dawe moved from his hometown in Mexico City - which has influenced his use of colour - to Montreal, Canada, in 2000.

His facebook profile states: "He started experimenting and creating artwork, which eventually led him to explore textiles and embroidery-activities traditionally associated with women and which were forbidden for a boy growing up in Mexico.

Originally a graphic designer, Dawe's hometown in Mexico City inspires his use of colour. Photo / Toledo Museum of Art

"Because of this, his work is subversive of notions of masculinity and machismo that are so ingrained in his culture."

Dawe then studied at the University of Texas in Dallas and has exhibited his work in Dallas, Houston, Montreal, Toronto and Barcelona.

He recently showcased his work at Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery in Washington DC. Art fans can catch the artificial rainbow at the gallery until 22 January 2017.