Jean Dubuffet once said, “Art should be born from the materials. Spirituality should borrow the language of the material. Each material has its own language and is a language.”
We’ve been thinking about that quote a lot as we consider Light Show, a new exhibition at Heights Arts showcasing nine local artists working with materials, process and visual languages that represent the theme of light. (Light Show opens Friday, January 16 with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m.)
In the midst of the usual dark, cold and miserable Northeast Ohio winter, the whole city seems to take on varying shades of grey. Which is sort of how Heights Art board member and artist Sharon Grossman came up with the idea for this show.
“As we hunker down in January, surrounded by grey skies and dirty snow, this exhibition helps us find solace in light,” said Grossman. “Although all artists work with light, these pieces are about light—luminance, reflection, radiance and glow. I am grateful to these nine inspiring artists for helping Heights Arts brighten your winter.”
Light Show includes Claudia Berlinski’s photography, Kevin Busta’s furniture, Jeffry Chiplis’ altered neons, Dana Depew’s upcycled sculptures, Scott Goss’ glass, Nancy Luken’s lamps, Ben Parsons’ stained glass, Geoff Riggle’s jewelry and sculpture and Andrew Simmons’ ceramics.
Light Show and related events are free and open to the public. It runs through the end of February. At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, the gallery hosts a Curator’s Talk with Sharon Grossman, followed by Ekphrastic Poetry, featuring readings of poems inspired by the works in Light Show by selected regional poets.
(Heights Arts) 2175 Lee Rd., 216-371-3457, heightsarts.org
This article appears in Jan 7-13, 2015.