En/Lighten: Material & Metaphor

En/Lighten: Material & Metaphor examines artificial light as both a material used to make art and a symbol associated with creation, spirituality, knowledge, memory, and absence. Drawing on the Rose Art Museum’s permanent collection and loans from other institutions, the exhibition considers how contemporary artists use light to shape space, convey emotion, offer social and political critique, and explore metaphysical ideas.

The experience begins outside with Chris Burden’s monumental *Light of Reason* (2014) and continues in the Lower Rose Gallery. The exhibition includes incandescent bulbs, neon, fluorescent tubes, scrolling LED text, and video monitors, bringing together works by artists including Dan Basen, Christian Boltanski, Dan Flavin, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Jenny Holzer, Alfredo Jaar, Joseph Kosuth, Bruce Nauman, Nam June Paik, and Mary Weatherford.

When: August 19, 2026–June 6, 2027

Venue: Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University

Location: Lower Rose Gallery, with the exhibition beginning outdoors with Chris Burden’s *Light of Reason* (2014)

Lineup: Dan Basen, Christian Boltanski, Dan Flavin, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Jenny Holzer, Alfredo Jaar, Joseph Kosuth, Bruce Nauman, Nam June Paik, and Mary Weatherford

Curators: Gannit Ankori, Henry and Lois Foster Director and Chief Curator, and Chad Sirois, Senior Curator and Associate Director of Communications

Accessibility: The exhibition contains flashing and changing lights, including rapid, high-intensity strobe effects that may affect visitors with sensory sensitivities.

Tickets: Price not available

Support: The exhibition is supported by the Lizbeth Krupp Rose Exhibition Fund and Brandeis University’s Center for German and European Studies.

Enhance your visit: Visitors can use the free Rose Art Museum app through the App Store or its web version for self-guided tours and additional information.