The Interstellar Exhibit of nine works by internationally renowned light sculptor Leo Villareal opens Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Figge Art Museum. It includes nine captivating pieces from his Nebulae series. They feature his innovative approach to light, space, and technology.
Quad Citians may be familiar with the artist’s name because he was chosen to create Evanescent Field, an installation of light that will illuminate all four sides of the Figge Art Museum’s exterior glass curtain wall. The $4 million project will feature over 3,000 feet of colorful, programmable LED fixtures and be installed in the fall of 2025. Lighting the Figge was 20 years in the making and, once done, Evanescent Field will become the largest public artwork in Iowa.
For now, however, museum fans and art lovers will be treated to a generous sample of Mr. Villareal’s other works on the second floor of the Figge in downtown Davenport. That’s’ where his Interstellar Exhibit is offering “a mesmerizing exploration of celestial imagery, with each sculpture in the Nebulae series emitting diffused light that captures the dynamism of space through an intricate interplay of colors and shapes,” a museum news release said. “Every piece in the series is unique, with sequences generated through custom code, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.”
The exhibition will be on view through Jan. 19, 2025.
In addition to the Nebulae series, other works on display will include selections from Villareal’s NFT (non-fungible token) series, Cosmic Bloom. That digital series reflects the ordered randomness found in nature, starting with simple geometric forms that evolve into complex, dynamic layers, the release said.
Cosmic Bloom highlights the intersection of art and technology, blending human control, engineering, and the element of chance to create works that are as thought-provoking as they are visually stunning.
Members can meet artist
Companion programming to the Interstellar Exhibit for museum members kicks off the exhibition on Thursday, Sept. 19. It includes a reception at 5 p.m. for museum members and a Public Artist Talk by Mr. Villareal at 6:30 p.m. (Thursdays at the Figge are sponsored by Chris and Mary Rayburn.)
“Interstellar invites viewers to immerse themselves in an exhibition where art and technology converge,” Figge Co-Senior Curator Joshua Johnson said in the release. “Villareal’s work exemplifies the endless possibilities of light as a medium, and we’re thrilled to bring this experience to the Figge.”
Mr. Villareal’s art is deeply rooted in abstraction, creating open-ended visual experiences through layered sequencing, the Figge added. Drawing on organic systems and atmospheric elements, his work produces unexpected behaviors without predetermined outcomes, inviting viewers to experience a unique fusion of natural beauty and technological innovation.
Mr. Villareal is acclaimed for his large-scale, site-specific light installations. Prominent works include: The Bay Lights on San Francisco’s Bay Bridge; Illuminated River in London, which connects nine bridges through a single artwork; and Multiverse, a stunning volumetric installation linking the East and West buildings of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Sponsor support Interstellar
Exhibit sponsors are: Interstellar is supported by premier sponsor Andy & Debi Butler; supporting sponsors, The Current Iowa and Hotel Blackhawk; contributing sponsors, Kay K. Runge, KK Runge Associates; Wynne and David Schafer, Schafer Interiors; Xenotronics Company; and media sponsor Quad Cities International Airport.
The Figge Art Museum is dedicated to bringing art and people together. Located on the Mississippi River in downtown Davenport, it is the premier art exhibition and education facility between Chicago and Des Moines.
The landmark glass building was designed by British architect David Chipperfield and is home to one of the Midwest’s finest art collections and presents world-class exhibitions, art classes, lectures, and special events that attract visitors of all ages.
Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays; and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not required but can be made at www.figgeartmuseum.org or by calling (563) 345-6632.
Admission to the museum is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students with ID, and $4 for children ages 4-12. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members and to all on Thursday evenings.
You can become a member for as little as $50 by visiting the Figge website. To contact the museum, please call (563) 326-7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.
