The Center for International Light Art in Unna is the world's first and only museum dedicated exclusively to light art. The works are exhibited deep below ground in the tunnels of a former brewery.
Tears in blue and red
In the catacombs of the Linden Brewery, which was closed in 1979, a unique museum has been created. In the passageways and storage rooms, artists have curated their installations speci cally for the site. A highlight is this "Tunnel of Tears" by the artist Keith Sonnier, which is made up of red and blue uorescent tubes. The interplay deceives the eye and the colors take on a new perspective.
From light into darkness
The underground museum covers several thousand square meters. The rooms hardly resemble the usual bright white surfaces of typical museums. Down here the walls are damp and there is no heating. But the light installations, like this one called "I (in Dialogue)" by Jan von Munster, bring light into the darkness of the old brewery's basement. Visits are only possible with the assistance of a guide.
Light touch
James Turrell is represented in the exhibition with two major installations. He made a special trip to Unna from Arizona in order to construct his works. With "Floater 99" the contours of the architecture seem to dissolve in the diffuse icy blue and macenta hues. The visitor merges into the light through complete immersion of color.
Discovering the heavens
The work consists of two parts. In the rst room light passes through a small lens located on the oor and the most miniscule movements-such as the wings of birds - are projected. In the overlying "Skypace," artificial and natural lights fuse to create an organic yet profound spectacle.
Geometric light
François Morellet has chosen a former refrigerator to exhibit his installation "No and Neon." He has mounted nine neon light tubes in a variation of angles. The tubes react to movement, projecting different shades of light according to the angle.
