“Illuminating Curiosity: Explore the Interactive Wonders of Exploratorium’s ‘Glow'”

Art, science, and technology stretch the limits of perception in mesmerizing, immersive installations featured in the Exploratorium’s yearly “Glow” exhibition, available until Jan. 26 in San Francisco.

Engaging and suitable for all ages, “Glow” showcases returning favorites along with eight novel artworks that are enjoyable, appealing to a wide range of interests and “hands-on,” encouraging guests to investigate the displays independently.

Artist Zach Lieberman, who refers to his approach as “poetic computations,” has contributed “Sketches,” an exploration of light, shadow, refraction, and brightness; as well as “Reflection Studies,” inviting individuals to interact with typography and graphic design by “painting text” on a wall.

Allison Roach, Director of Temporary Exhibitions at the Exploratorium, describes the two pieces as synergistic: “‘Sketches’ is fantastic, contemplative. Occasionally, the scenes appear almost indistinguishable from those generated digitally. [Lieberman] manipulates reflections and shadows that start to imitate reality. By employing algorithms to formulate rules guiding light, color, and shadows, they evoke scenes reminiscent of other reflections you may have witnessed. With his other display, participants can position letters and shapes on an interactive light surface, which a camera captures and projects onto the wall. It’s a large-scale, playful chance to step into the role of a graphic designer.”

Collective Paper Aesthetics’ “Light Lilies” features both a static sculpture and an interactive section. Guests are encouraged to craft their own pop-up structures after observing an 8.85-foot sculpture composed of 36 illuminated bilunabirotunda. (A bilunabirotunda is a three-dimensional polyhedron made up of eight equilateral triangles, four pentagons, and two squares, consisting of 26 edges and 14 vertices where three or more edges converge.)

“You can fold, build, and stack bilunabirotunda to produce variations in light. They contain LEDs, and their light sensors respond to magnets, allowing users to switch among three distinct colors. It caters to multiple entry points for everyone. I’ve observed toddlers utilizing it—along with individuals from various age groups finding enjoyment,” remarks Roach.

“Well of Lights” is a returning exhibition (featuring projected floating entities crafted from layers of plastic sheets and strobe lights) that has Roach and the staff thrilled. It is by Toshio Iwai, an artist-in-residence at the Exploratorium back in 1992.

This work presented unique challenges, as Iwai utilized now-obsolete computer and projector technology to create marine- and bird-like imagery.

“It’s stunning and a long-time favorite,” remarks Roach, adding, “We managed to rejuvenate the piece with his guidance. … In today’s digital environment, this fusion of a mechanical artwork and visual animation is akin to what we hold in our hands on our smartphones. It’s wonderful to transform it into these enchanting moments of amazement and curiosity.” 

Another segment of “Glow” is Light Lab, a space that concentrates on exhibit prototypes contributed by Exploratorium team members. “We generate ideas inspired by our development team’s observations,” states Roach, a science student during her college years who has worked with arts organizations prior to overseeing new initiatives at the Exploratorium. She first encountered the San Francisco science center while participating in an environmental program that required her to engage with the facility. She comments, “Right away, I sensed it was crafted for a diverse audience, featuring a remarkable mix of artworks and interactive experiences.” 

Anticipating future offerings from the Exploratorium, Roach highlights a mini exhibition scheduled for spring that will serve as a platform for deeper investigations focused on outer space, alongside a summer showcase addressing artificial intelligence. Other ongoing explorations at the Exploratorium, like “Cells to Self,” dive into microbiology, while the extensive “Living Systems” displays showcase findings related to climate change, the environment, and human physiological and societal phenomena.

“Glow” persists through Jan. 26 at The Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco. Entry fees range from $30 to $40. For more information, visit exploratorium.edu.