The Center for International Light Art Unna (ZFIL) has been presenting international positions in contemporary light art for a quarter of a century. In the anniversary year 2026, the museum invites you to experience both the programmatic profile of the house and current developments in light art with special exhibitions, events and a central anniversary exhibition. This opens up new perspectives on light as an artistic medium for visitors.
Image above: Maurizio Nannucci, NEVER MOVE FAR FROM COLOR, 2017/2018 © Maurizio Nannucci, Foto: Frank Vinken
Celebrate 25 years of light art!
The anniversary year 2026 invites you to rediscover light art in all its facets – underground, in dialogue with space and perception and in exchange with the audience. SPOT ON for light and shadow, for shifts in perspective and form and for imagination spaces in the field of tension between the visible and the invisible.
What characterizes the ZFIL’s artistic profile is the combination of established artists’ positions with the sustained support of emerging talent. In addition to exhibitions and works by world-renowned artists such as Rebecca Horn, Brigitte Kowanz, François Morellet, Maurizio Nannucci, Keith Sonnier and James Turrell, the center also consistently focuses its attention on younger positions. Examples of this are the exhibition series SWITCH I (2016) and SWITCH II (2021) with students and graduates from the Saar University of Fine Arts. The promotion and further development of innovative contemporary light art was also the central concern of the International Light Art Award (ILAA), which has so far been realized in three editions and is waiting for a repeat edition with a sponsor.
In addition to the installation works in the permanent exhibition, thematic temporary exhibitions, collaborations and diverse educational offerings characterize the house’s program. Since 2001, the Center for International Light Art Unna has realized over 30 themed exhibitions with extensive works on contemporary international light art.
Light Dialogues exhibition
As the highlight of the anniversary year, the exhibition “LIGHT DIALOGUES” is being planned and is scheduled to open on June 12, 2026. The exhibition is being created in cooperation with SCHAUWERK Sindelfingen and is dedicated to the dialogue between light, space and perception as well as the exchange between different artistic positions and institutional perspectives. The internationally renowned concept and neon artist Maurizio Nannucci is expected at the opening. The exhibition includes, among other things: five large-format works by the artist are presented.
Exhibitions and events in the anniversary year
The anniversary program begins on February 14, 2026 with the opening of the interactive spatial installation “RIPPLES” by the visual artist and composer Claudia Robles-Angel. In the walk-in installation, visitors immerse themselves in a fluid experience of sound, light and liquid. The synesthetic work reacts to body impulses and changes with each viewing.
The exhibition program is supplemented by a wide range of events, such as a reading with Jakob Schwerdtfeger on September 24th, 2026 or a Christmas concert with the pianist Liam Ehm on December 9th, 2026.
An open day with free admission on March 22, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. rounds off the anniversary program. Visitors can look forward to a varied program for all age groups with creative hands-on activities, discussions about the history of the house, live music from “Bits & Bytes” and culinary offerings in and around the house.
WHERE?
Zentrum für Internationale Lichtkunst
Lindenpl. 1,
59423 Unna
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