A display device is provided in which the electro-optical effect is created through bending of bendable elements, particularly nanowires or nanotubes. Arrays of bendable elements are provided in areas of the display with the light path. This is possible in that the bendable elements are transparent in the case where they are oriented substantially perpendicular to the substrate, but will absorb light if bent at an angle. Hereto, it is of importance that polarized light is used. The bendable elements are preferably separated from the electrodes through a layer of dielectric material, and are bent under the influence of an electric or magnetic field.