In a much-anticipated return, Glow will transform Pier 15, home of the Exploratorium, into a luminous playground of light, art, and science. Artists from around the world will bring their groundbreaking work to San Francisco in an immersive, interactive light experience. Returning installations join new contributions in an exhibition that invites viewers “to listen to the sounds of color, wander in a city of shadows, bask in the shimmer of an artificial sun and explore many more radiant encounters.”
Aperture Lucida (2020), an interactive light and space sculpture by former Artist-in-Residence (2017–19), Tristan Duke brings together the artist’s experiences in photography, holography, and the science of optics. A monolithic structure appears to project a holographic-like ball of light that transforms as the viewer moves. The ball itself is an optical illusion created by over half a million precisely drilled holes in black panels. Approaching the monolith closely successfully collapses the illusion and reveals the complexity of holes responsible for the apparition. The mystery is revealed by the visitor’s curiosity and willingness to explore.
The Thawing of … is a recording of three of Akiko Nakayama’s “Alive Paintings.” Petri dishes, sand, and other materials form a base on which ice, oil, and bubbles are poured. The results create a brilliantly colored, ever-shifting biomorphic landscape. Each performance is unique and accompanied by a musical score. The color interaction, according to the artist, represents “… the dance of yin and yang.”
Reflecting Holons is a kinetic art installation by Martens & Visser. Long, delicate strips of iridescent foil are attached to a rotating metallic axis, the Holons turning as the motors spin them. Soap bubble forms emerge from the movement, reflecting and refracting rainbow-colored lights.
Found objects transformed into a whimsical sculptural city comprise The Dreamer IV (2025) by Angela Yuen. The collection of manufactured goods amassed over time – plastic toys made in Hong Kong, beads, acrylic sheets, LED lights, resin and a motor — create a jewel box effect of an imaginary cityscape casting off tall, colorful shadows as the piece rotates.
Wave (2019) by Squidsoup consists of nearly 500 individual suspended orbs. Through light and sound, each orb becomes an autonomous sensate unit via LED lights, a speaker, and microcomputer. Movement sensors and wireless connectivity help to orchestrate harmony and light moving through the collection of orbs creating waves of sight and sound. The installation functions as a complex organism and also a musical instrument.
Line Wobbler (2023) by game developer Robin Baumgarten is a 1DK experimental hardware game. The minimalist light design is attached to a spring controller — or wobbler — allowing the participant to control a green pixel while battling enemies, lava, and force fields. Created with a spring that moves the pixel along and an LED strip, Line Wobbler allows the participant to move the spring to push the pixel forward and backward, including sound effects controlled by the acceleration of the wobbler.
The interactive light installation, Star-Filled Void, allows each human silhouette to become part of a living constellation by incorporating participant’s shadows into the work. As visitors move, sensors capture their outlines and customized software transforms them into glowing constellation projections. The piece, created by Maja Petrić, takes individuals and transforms them into part of a vast cosmology of a shared, infinite universe.
Created by Jaqueline Hen, One’s Sunset Is Another One’s Sunrise (2024) is made from thousands of acrylic mirrors that move independently, plus a ring of LEDs that create a warm, orange glow. The artificial sun that’s created never sets or rises, placing the environment outside of time, and making the viewer question beginnings and endings while basking in its glow. Shining a spotlight on the moving mirrors creates scattered reflections that dance on the floor. Hen’s work takes on the possibility of social transformation through communication and participation in art.
An exploration of sensation
Glow is inspired by the sense that visitors are not just passive witnesses to creativity; they are active participants in the art around them, and the art, in turn reacts to their presence. In this way, every visit creates a unique experience for each individual.
“This year’s Glow takes our celebration of light, art, and science to an entirely new scale,” said Allison Roach, director of temporary exhibitions. “With larger-than-life installations and immersive environments, some pieces invite hands-on exploration while others inspire awe from a distance. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to experience the surprise, delight, and curiosity that Glow brings to all ages.”