The St. Augustine Art Association’s latest exhibit, “What We See in the Shadows,” will be on display in the gallery and online until Aug. 31. The exhibit invites visitors to experience artwork in near-total darkness, illuminated only by blacklights and flashlights.
This immersive, sensory-shifting exhibition challenges traditional ways of seeing art, which is usually well-lit and beautifully displayed on the wall. By limiting vision and altering perception, details of each work will emerge slowly, compositions will shift, and hidden elements will be revealed. With just a beam of light in hand, experience the darkness as much as the visible elements of each piece.
“I wanted to do an exhibit that challenged artists to give viewers a different type of gallery experience — a little plot twist, if you will,” said Jennifer Flynt, executive director of St. Augustine Art Association. “‘What We See in the Shadows’ is a uniquely personal experience because how viewers engage with the art and what they see is entirely up to them.”
The featured works are in varying mediums, with some pieces incorporating neon or glow-in-the-dark materials and layering imagery that reveals itself through flashlight or blacklight illumination.
“We’re used to seeing artwork in the light; however, what happens when you’re forced to look at it bit by bit?” Flynt said. “The overall image and perspective changes, or maybe you see something you wouldn’t have noticed with full lighting. For the artists, it’s a challenge to create a cohesive image that will be viewed in fragments.”
“What We See in the Shadows” offers a chance to experience a unique interplay between light and shadow, revealing surprising elements and details in an intimate, darkened gallery. It sets a scene to find special intricacies, hidden images and perspectives that might otherwise be missed in brighter conditions.
Experience the darkness (and the light) at “What We See in the Shadows,” between noon and 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays at the association in downtown St. Augustine at 22 Marine St.
Flashlights are provided. Curiosity is required.
Visitors can use the provided flashlights and blacklights to illuminate pieces like Melania Atzori’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” and Victoria Yokota’s “I Am Only an Egg,” revealing hidden details and bringing the works to life. Awards for this juried exhibit will be presented at 7 p.m. during the Aug. 1 First Friday Art Walk.
