A plurality of reflective spatial light modulator arrays combined together to form a larger display. Each array can include a plurality of light modulating elements disposed on a substrate. Dead space may exist between active areas and/or at a perimeter of the light modulating elements. A plurality of optical elements each having an input aperture and an output aperture can be used to reduce the effect of the dead space. The input apertures are disposed distally and the output apertures are disposed proximally respectively to the light modulating elements such that light received propagates exits the output apertures to the light modulating elements. The input apertures are larger than the output apertures thereby reducing the amount of dead space between active areas of light modulating elements seen be a viewer. Display drive circuitry can be disposed away from dead space at the perimeter of the arrays and electrically connected to the light modulating elements at locations between the light modulating elements on a substrate. The plurality of arrays can be arranged in a larger array to create a large display. The light modulating elements can include microelectromechanical systems such as interferometric modulators.