The Nature of Light: An Exploration After Dark

August 8, 2022 to October 30, 2022

Light has the power to transform, transport, and transfix in remarkable and unexpected ways. To capture this wonder, from August through October of 2022, the Paine Art Center and Gardens will present a new experience, The Nature of Light: An Exploration After Dark. This all-new immersive nighttime exhibition will be created exclusively for the Paine through a collaboration between two acclaimed studios, renowned for crafting remarkable and distinctive experiences.

HYBYCOZO, the Hyperspace Bypass Construction Zone, is an installation arts and sculpture studio focused on creating large-scale artworks that investigate geometric forms through light, shadow, and perception. Their work consists of larger than life sculptures created with the use of digital fabrication tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers and draw on inspirations from mathematics, science, and natural phenomena. Much of their artwork acknowledges diverse cultural influences in pattern making and design and celebrates the inherent beauty of geometric form and pattern.

Their work has been exhibited around the world from the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. to Burning Man in California, and from Dubai to Singapore. Recent permanent works by HYBYCOZO have been installed at the Embassy of the United States in Turkey and the California Health and Human Services building in Sacramento.

Lightswitch is an experiential lighting and visual design practice with studios throughout the world. For almost 30 years, Lightswitch has created a wide spectrum of projects, ranging from concerts for artists including Andrea Bocelli, Elton John and Imagine Dragons, to theme park experiences for The Walt Disney Company and Universal Studios, to distinctive special events including the 75th Anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge and space launches for Virgin Galactic. Lightswitch created Illumination–Tree Lights for the Morton Arboretum in Chicago and Enchanted–Forest of Light for Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles.

For nearly a decade, HYBYCOZO and Lightswitch have partnered on installations within other projects, but The Nature of Light: An Exploration After Dark will be their first collaboration on a major large-scale exhibition. With a complete, defined collection of carefully curated experiences throughout the estate and the grounds, The Nature of Light at the Paine will showcase the synergy of HYBYCOZO and Lightswitch’s combined creativity in an exhibition which will engage, delight and enthrall guests of all ages.

The Nature of Light: An Exploration After Dark is supported by Community First Credit Union, the Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.

Hours & Admission

Information including hours and admission will be provided on this page beginning July 5. To stay informed about events and exhibitions, sign up to receive emails from the Paine.

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