Through this lens, the exhibition Lighten Up! On Biology and Time explores the connection of living organisms with the natural cycle of light and dark. Nathalie Opris’ exhibition design fittingly put a strong emphasis on the exhibition’s lighting design: by alternating zones of intense darkness, “twilight”, or bright natural lighting, visitors are offered a diversified parcours to explore. 

The media-heavy exhibition encompasses 3D interactive projection installations, optical elements purely relying on daylight, sound art, speculative design and analogue artworks. The technologically-complex artworks shown in Lighten Up! require a deep understanding of the underlying technologies and optical phenomena. Nathalie’s design positioned the large-scale pieces either as monolithic structures or created intimate spaces for the more subtle pieces to shine. For example, a reading room was conceived as a space for resting and contemplation, transporting visitors into an environment related to sleep, twilight and dreams: ultimately, a space for processing their exhibition experience.

The design of the physical installation elements follows a modular approach, allowing for elements to be reused and altered in their purpose to serve as seating, light boxes, podiums or vitrines. Two types of presentation surfaces for the artworks were conceived based on their specific lighting requirements. Nathalie chose spruce plywood for the base constructions – creating a warm, organic aesthetic – in order to connect the exhibition with the pavilion’s architecture by Kengo Kuma.