What is light, and what is darkness? Do they reside within us or outside of us? While some cultures worship sun gods, others use sunlight to censor depictions of their deities. Is darkness a sanctuary or a breeding ground for fear and nightmares? Are nocturnal creatures inclined towards darkness by default, or is it a necessity for self-preservation? How do we acknowledge the presence of something unseen? How do we preserve memories, and how will we be remembered?

The annual exhibition Refractive Perspectives. 3*10^8 m/s by the department of Art & Science presents a collage of twenty-one artistic works, spanning from the socio-political to the deeply personal. Through their diverse reflections on the enigmatic ‘source of life’, the artists illuminate various facets of human experience and perception, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of light and its profound significance.

The audience is presented with two distinct exhibition spaces, each weaving a unique narrative on light. One space offers a more abstract, interactive experience, engaging visitors in physical participation and emphasizing the sensory journey. It invites exploration, allowing individuals to determine the depth of their engagement and the insights they glean. This immersive experience can evoke playfulness, mystery, or even a sense of danger. In contrast, the second setting delves into introspection, exploring philosophical themes that serve as tools for personal reflection. Here, visitors are encouraged to contemplate light's implications across various domains — political, religious, ecological, feminist, cultural, and beyond.

Artists:

Rimon Alyagon Darr, Camille Belmin (in collaboration with Janina Weißengruber), Anna Buchner, Laura Chalabi, Yeonwoo Chang, Rebeka Csombordi, Toqa Eissa, Stefan Gorka, Theresa Hajek, Ou Jiun-You, Lilian Kaufmann, Dejan Klement, Markela Koniordou, Rebecca Lucia Martínková, Carolina Páez Vélez, David Ristić, Flora Safar, Dunia Sahir, Xavi Sosa, Fabian Simmank, Verna Tähtinen