Organized by the 1708 Gallery, InLight is a highly acclaimed public exhibition of light-based art. This year, InLight will be held at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Since its founding in 2008, the annual InLight exhibition draws attention, through temporary public art, to significant sites in Richmond, inviting fresh and diverse perspectives of our city. One installation in this year’s exhibition offers an opportunity for many to be introduced to the Confederate Memorial Chapel on the grounds of VMFA and to learn about its place in Richmond’s history.
Historically, churches and chapels have been spaces for the celebration and display of great works of art. The November 3rd Style Weekly article was misleading, making the assumption that all installations at InLight are whimsical in nature, and that the Chapel piece would be as well. In fact, it is just the opposite. This is a serious work done by two independent artists, originally from Virginia, who hope to draw attention to the historical significance of the chapel and to offer a contemplative experience for all those who enter that space.
For the past seven years, 1708’s InLight has featured 190 local, national, and international artists and artist collectives across some of Richmond’s most unique neighborhoods and evocative sites — from Broad Street to historic Tredegar to Monroe Park — engaging more than 30,000 visitors.
VMFA galleries will be open during InLight. Light-based works on view inside the museum include Sky by Leo Villareal, Blue Husk by Tony Oursler, Glass Pavilion by Theaster Gates, and Comet: God Particle by Tristin Lowe. Additionally, the new exhibition Nightfall: Prints of the Dark Hours highlights viewers’ perception of light and darkness.
On Friday, audiences are invited to participate in the Community Lantern Parade at 7:30 pm. Lantern-making will be available onsite before the Parade from 5:30–7 pm. On Saturday, visitors can create lanterns inspired by Tristin Lowe’s Comet: God Particle.
Both Best Café and Amuse will serve until 11:30 pm. on Friday and until 9:30 pm on Saturday. Beer and wine will be for sale in the sculpture garden and food trucks will be located on Grove Avenue. Parking will be available in VMFA’s garage and on surrounding streets. In addition, 1708 will offer a free shuttle from The Diamond to VMFA. Shuttles will run every 15 minutes from 6:30 pm–12:30 am on Friday and from 6:30 until 10:30 pm on Saturday.
For a full schedule of programs and other event details, please visit www.1708gallery.org.