An apparatus for projecting an image, according to one embodiment of the present invention, projects an image, detects a user gesture operation in an area between an image screen area, where an image screen corresponding to the projected image is displayed, and the apparatus for projecting an image, and carries out a control operation corresponding to the detected gesture operation. The operation of detecting the user gesture operation includes distinguishing, into a plurality of areas, the area between the image screen area and the apparatus for projecting an image, and detecting the user gesture operation with respect to the plurality of distinguished plurality of areas.