Durham’s new contemporary art gallery has opened its inaugural exhibition, Victory Over the Sun, where light is brought to life through interactive displays and immersive sensory experiences.
The Light, formerly the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Art Gallery, aims to combine art with local history.
Victory Over the Sun will run until 17th January, 2027, featuring a programme of various artists, and new commissions. Each display will explore our deep-rooted connection to light, from the simple lightbulb to more intricate designs.
From fluorescent tubes and neons, to LEDS and digital media, there will be single artworks, as well as immersive installations.
The Light opened following a £17m refurbishment to transform the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and Art Gallery into a new cultural destination for the county.
Enlightening: what groups can expect from the experience
Entering the gallery, groups will be greeted with work by Ceal Floyer, a visual artist celebrated for her use of everyday objects. A slide projection of the invention of the lightbulb, will be on display acknowledging both its history and significance, before visitors travel through to more contemporary displays.
Alongside this, there will be images, sound, hands-on interactive displays and rich sensory experiences, telling the story of human identity, belonging and community.
Contemporary artists to look out for
The Light is displaying works from renowned artists including Olafur Elisasson, Tracey Emin, Chila Burman, Jenny Holzer, David Shrigley, Steve McQueen and Cerith Wyn Evans and more.
There are 20 different artists featured throughout the exhibition, with their themes ranging from domestic interiors and urban environments to the cosmos and science. Some of these include:
- Light bulb to Simulate Moonlight by Scottish artist Katie Paterson connects the power of nature and space to a human experience of the everyday.
- Liz West’s Our Spectral Vision uses LED-lit dichroic glass prisms to fill the space in saturated colour, creating an immersive environment that explores how we perceive and experience light.
- Chila Burman has included her suspended Hanging Monkey, a multi-coloured primate in three dimensions, moving from neon into sculpture.
Visiting The Light
Tickets are now available to purchase. Groups can get in touch with the team to enquire about bookings by emailing TheLight@durham.gov.uk
The Light is located at Aykley Heads, a short walk or drive from Durham railway station, with on-site parking available for visitors.
The venue is open daily from 10am, with reduced hours on Sundays, and includes a café serving freshly prepared food and drinks.
Click here for more information on booking your tickets.
