Exploring the Light and Space movement with art historian Francesca Giani

Two figures stand in front of a light sculpture consisting of vertical tubes of light

Lucky You (2011) by Robert Irwin, on view in Bright Golden Haze. (Photo by Alex Marks.)

When it comes to art, there's always more than meets the eye. That's why Thursday Night Late at Oklahoma Contemporary offers weekly opportunities to extend your experience of the works on view in our galleries and at Campbell Art Park. Featuring a mix of digital and in-person programs, including talks by exhibition artists and special guests, live music, hands-on activities and more, the weekly program is designed to help you explore new perspectives.

We kicked things off last week with art historian Francesca Giani, who shared her insights on the work and practices of Bright Golden Haze artists Robert Irwin, James Turrell and Olafur Eliasson. Focusing on the trio's relationship to the Southern Calfornia movement known as Light and Space, Giani looks at how the mesmerizing light sculptures of trailblazers Irwin and Turrell inform the socially engaged practice of Eliasson and a new generation of artists exploring the intersection of light, perception and participation.

"All these works do not so much offer a message from the artists as much as they offer an opportunity, a platform for us viewers to contemplate on our own sensorial and emotional reaction to the work itself," Giani said. "There are different ways you can interpret it. There are different ways you can react."

Before you reserve your spot to safely experience these works in person, tag along with Giani as she explores Irwin's Lucky You, Turrell's Untitled (1NSA), 2007 and Olafur Eliasson's Black glass eclipse.

Art historian Francesca Giani in front of Untitled (1NSA), 2007, by James Turrell. Courtesy of Pace Gallery and the artist. Photo by Dennis Spielman. 

Robert Irwin. Lucky You, 2011. Collection of the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. Photo by Alex Marks.

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Oklahoma Contemporary Bright Golden Haze James Turrell Robert Irwin Olafur Eliasson Francesca Giani video Exhibitions