Hanukkah and Sabbath lamp, c. 1875. The Peachy and Mark Levy Family Judaica Collection, Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life.
Dec 7, 2023–Apr 28, 2024
First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art explores mastery in craft as a devotional pursuit, presenting breathtaking artworks that connect both artists and viewers to spirituality, wonder, and universal questions of human existence. The exhibiting artists utilize both science and art as equally noble methods to explore the mysteries of the universe and its reflection in their consciousness. The exhibition features artworks in neon, glass, and plasma, large-scale sculptures, and installations that invite you to learn about fascinating scientific processes, and inspire deeper contemplation of the role of light in our quest to understand our place in the universe. Through these works, the artists gain an intimate understanding of light as a profound and transformative force. Experience awe, make spiritual connections, and discover the science and craft of neon and glass artwork.
First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art is an exhibition by She Bends, an organization that is dedicated to building a more equitable future for neon while pushing the boundaries of the neon medium into the realm of fine art. The exhibition features the work of Angelina Almukhametova, Jessica Krichelle, Kacie Lees, Stephanie Sara Lifshutz, Mollie McKinley, Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, Kamila Mróz, Meryl Pataky, and Lily Reeves.
View accessible exhibition text, or explore more accessibility resources at The Museum, below.
Radiant Practices: Illuminating Jewish Traditions traces the foundational role of light in Jewish life and ritual, both historically and today. Journey through a collection of Jewish ritual objects, from menorahs to memorial candles, that offer insights into practices that draw on light to mark Jewish holidays, lifecycle moments, and spiritual spaces. Presented in The CJM’s Stephen and Maribelle Leavitt Yud gallery, the exhibition brings new meaning to the presence of natural light within this symbolically rich gallery while offering new reflections on the forms of light that illuminate Jewish ritual.
Hanukkah and Sabbath lamp, c. 1875. The Peachy and Mark Levy Family Judaica Collection, Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life.
Major funding for First Light: Rituals of Glass and Neon Art is generously provided by Grants for the Arts, Dorothy Saxe, Anita Wornick, Carla and David Crane, and David Saxe. In-kind support is graciously provided by Loquat Bakery.