Often used to showcase artwork, rarely has light been spotlighted itself. In the exhibition Light: British Tate Museum’s Special Exhibition Feature (hereinafter referred to as Light), however, artists give light its due attention, exploring it as a source of comfort, inspiration, and imagination. The exhibition boasts 110 artworks ranging from the 18th century to the present and presents diverse artists’ interpretations of the theme. Examining light from a religious standpoint to a scientific one, Light invites spectators to appreciate what is normally taken for granted and to view light in an altogether very different light.

A touring exhibition, Light arrived in Korea after being hosted in the Pudong Museum of Art in Shanghai, China. Though of the same title, the two exhibitions give a nod to their respective locations, with the exhibition in Korea beginning with Korean artist Nam June Paik’s work “Candlelight TV,” which showcases a singly lit candle inside an old television. Likening the beginning of the digital civilization — the light of our electronic devices — with the beginning of human civilization — fire — Paik retranslates the first light to humanity in modern times. With Paik’s artwork begins the historical trajectory and investigation of light.

A Walkthrough of Art History

Chronologically organized, spectators can see works of light from different eras side by side, allowing them to observe the gradual progression in art history. Spectators can also see works of light from various angles of consideration. Indeed, in the “Light, God’s Creation” section of the exhibition, Joseph Mallord William Turner explores the religious context of light in his works “Light and Color (Theory of Goethe)-Morning After the Deluge, Moses Writing the Book of Genesis,” and “Shadow and Darkness-Evening of the Deluge.” In spite of the light colors and tone, the artworks convey darkness and recklessness, depicting an evening of chaos and the deleterious aftermath of the flood.

Other artists like Claude Monet drew Impressionist paintings of the rather mundane — trees, for example — shining a new light on objects. For instance, in his painting “The Poplars,” he demonstrates how different poplar trees can look depending on the lighting, exploring a spectrum of emotions in his artworks. Other artists yet experiment with light in mundane settings. In the “Indoor Light” space on the second floor of the exhibition, for instance, Philippe Pareno’s “6PM” seems rather simple at first glance — the effect of shadows seems to have been created by light coming through a window frame from the ceiling. However, with a closer look, one realizes that the effect was achieved by cutting and painting the carpet itself. In this way, Pareno explores the deceptive nature of our vision when viewing light, while also allowing us to appreciate how light touches every aspect of our lives.

Different Styles

The exhibition not only presents different perspectives on light but different mediums of art as well. From paintings to carpets to mirrors, the eyes are always entertained. One artwork that particularly stands out is Yayoi Kusama’s “The Passing Winter” — a mirror at the center of an exhibition room dotted with holes. Viewing the various artworks through the mirror, one sees different images and angles of the paintings, illuminating new insights about the artwork. When viewing the artworks through the holes of the four-sided mirror, one comes to view them in an even more nuanced manner, being able to focus on each artwork more carefully. Kasuma’s mirror essentially allows spectators to experience the artworks in a multi-dimensional manner, contemplating the infinite ways in which light changes the artworks with every small movement of the viewer.

In this way, the exhibition touches on the importance of perspective, humbling spectators insofar as they are reminded that what they see is not everything. With each slight tilt of the head, each squint of the eye, viewers find themselves with a completely different perspective on the artwork. Presented with infinite possibilities of interpretation, viewers feel a spectrum of emotions walking through the exhibition, taking a journey through time and space.

Moreover, the artworks not only engage the viewers’ eyes but all the viewers’ senses. For example, Vasily Kandinsky’s “Swings” presents light in numerous colors. Thinking about the keyword “Swing,” one thinks of a playground swing or the genre of music. Thus, the artwork invites observers to get lost in the rhythm of the artwork, evoking memories of music within the spectator. In this way, the artwork evokes movement and music within spectators, engaging all senses.

This huge-scale special exhibition brings to Korea both classical and modern masterpieces that highlight the countless meanings of light. As Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) Director Baek Ji-sook says, “This exhibition is a great opportunity for children and young people to learn about art through the exploration of light, gaining an appreciation for the mundane.” With about 110 works, one is bound to become entranced by each unique piece of art, contemplating the artist’s intentions across space, time, and culture. Certainly not an exhibition to miss, Light is one that will warm viewers’ hearts, illuminating a different outlook on something taken for granted.

Exhibition Information

Title: Light: Special Exhibition of the British Tate Museum

Venue: Buk-Seoul Museum of Art

Running Time: December 21, 2021 to May 8, 2022

Date and Time: Mondays 10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. / Tuesday to Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M (Closed on Sundays)

Ticket Price: 15,000 won for adults