Light carves out the world around us. It separates night from day, and its particles are always in motion. Recognizing these innately architectural qualities of light, MADWORKSHOP, the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, and FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano (the National Trust for Italy) embarked on a semester-long exploration of the topic. The final results of this academic collaboration became the Light Theaters exhibition, on display at Villa Panza in Varese, Italy during the winter of 2018.

Director of the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio, Riccardo Blumer worked closely with the Academy’s students, studying the dynamics of light in space. This exploration culminated in an exhibition of ten elaborate pieces that intrigue the eye and play with perception, illuminating and refracting the ocular experience. Inspired by everything from VR and sci-fi to the luminescent grandeur of high baroque, these visually stimulating installations are unified in their use of artificial light as a sculptural medium.

The exhibition was also inspired by the nearby Sacro Monte di Varese complex, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Several of the artworks consider the history and scenography of this historic place, tracing ancient lines of pilgrimage through the surrounding mountains with light beams and immersive experiences.