A display assembly for displaying a virtual image of an object with occlusion and contrast. The display assembly includes a virtual object display selectively displaying an image at a virtual object plane. The display assembly includes a mask generation screen assembly with a screen element operable in a first state in which the screen element is transparent to visible light and in a second state in which a portion is opaque. The screen element is positioned proximate to the virtual object plane. The opaque portion of the screen element corresponds in size, shape, and location to the displayed virtual object image to provide a mask for the virtual image. The screen element may include a projectable mask screen opaque in regions exposed to a predefined type of non-visible light. The non-visible light may be ultraviolet (UV) light or infrared (IR) light selectively provided by a UV or IR projector.