LIGHT IS ART IN NEW EXHIBITION AT MCA

David Batchelor Magic Hour

Artists practicing throughout the last five decades have been quick to embrace new technologies, while using old forms of light in ever-inventive ways. In Light Show, recent works composed of state-of-the-art computer-controlled LEDs (light-emitting diodes) – including Jenny Holzer’s monumental LED signs and Leo Villareal’s large cylinder of light, made up of 19,600 computer-controlled LEDs – are shown in the company of sculptures constructed from recycled lightboxes rescued from city streets, and works using most modest materials such as a single theatrical spotlight.

In conjunction with the UN/Unesco 2015 International Year of Light, an array of public programs is scheduled throughout winter to further enhance the Light Show experience. These include curators’ talks, a keynote lecture On Light and Darkness by artist David Batchelor in relation to his work in Light Show, and LIGHT LAB, a creative family space in the museum’s National Centre for Creative Learning, offering a range of interactive activities with light and colour (FREE entry).

Light Show is curated by Dr Cliff Lauson and organised by Hayward Gallery, London. The exhibition is accompanied by a large-format, fully-illustrated hardcover catalogue, which traces the rich history of light as a sculptural medium from the 1960s to today.

Light Show will be on exhibition at the MCA until Sunday, 5 July 2015, and will coincide with Vivid Sydney (22 May to 8 June 2015), the festival of light, music and ideas, again with late-night openings throughout the festival.

In association with Light Show the MCA is also presenting an exhibition of light works by Australian artists from the MCA Collection – Luminous – running 9 March to 8 June 2015 in the MCA Level 1 Galleries. Curated by Senior Curator Natasha Bullock in response to Light Show, this MCA Collection exhibition will feature a major new commission by Jonathan Jones, alongside works by Sandra Selig, Peter Kennedy, William Seeto and John Mawurndjul.

Peter Kennedy Neon Light Installations

MCA Collection: Luminous includes shooting star spirits, geometric patterns of light and dark dancing on walls, ambient environments and infinity windows carved into architectural space. These works by Australian artists explore the astonishing and subtle effects of light, the exhibition presents works created from the 1970s to now.

Standard single admission to Light Show is $20 Adults, $15 Concessions, $50 Family, $10 Youth (ages 13 and above), and admission for younger children is FREE (ages 0–12). Early-bird specials are available online until February 28, offering a 20% saving across all ticket types.

About the Light Show Artists 

• Claire Johnson / Myriam Conrie 
• David Batchelor was born 1955, Dundee, Scotland. Lives and works London. 
• Jim Campbell was born 1956, Chicago, USA. Lives and works San Francisco, USA. 
• Carlos Cruz-Diez was born 1923, Caracas. Lives and works Paris. 
• Bill Culbert was born 1935, Port Chalmers, New Zealand. Lives and works London and Provence, France. 
• Dan Flavin lived 1933 – 1996. Lived and worked New York, USA. 
• Ceal Floyer was born 1986, Karachi, Pakistan. Lives and works Berlin. 
• Jenny Holzer was born 1950, Gallipolis, USA. Lives and works Hoosik, USA. 
• Ann Veronica Janssens was born 1956, Folkestone, UK. Lives and works Brussels. 
• Brigitte Kowanz was born 1957, Vienna. Lives and works Vienna. 
• Anthony McCall was born 1946, St Paul’s Cray, UK. Lives and works New York, USA. 
• François Morellet was born 1926, Cholet, France. Lives and works Cholet and Paris. 
• Iván Navarro was born 1972, Santiago. Lives and works New York, USA. 
• Katie Paterson was born 1981, Glasgow, Scotland. Lives and works Berlin. 
• Conrad Shawcross was born 1977, London. Lives and works London. 
• James Turrell was born 1943, Los Angeles, USA. Lives and works Flagstaff, USA. 
• Leo Villareal was born 1967, Albuquerque, USA. Lives and works New York, USA. 
• Cerith Wyn Evans was born 1958, Llanelli, Wales. Lives and works London. 

Entry to the Gallery’s collection-based exhibitions, including Luminous, remains FREE.

For more information and tickets, please visit www.mca.com.au.