Beginning January 16, the Oakland University Art Gallery will present “Nightshade: The World in the Evening,” an exhibition that invites viewers to contemplate the feelings of mystery, awe and fear that emerge when daylight fades. 

Curated by OU Art Gallery Director Dick Goody, the exhibition features 18 international contemporary artists who encompass a range of philosophical ideologies in their exploration of themes in the transition from day to night.

“Many works engage with personal narratives, memories and historical events, highlighting their resonance within the context of nightfall,” said Goody. “The transition from day to night acts as a catalyst for introspection, vulnerability, and a heightened awareness.” 

The exhibition will see the American debut of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson’s “Hvad har vi dog gjort for at ha’ det så godt” / “What Have We Done to Deserve This,” a single-channel video commissioned by the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, in Humlebæk, Denmark.

Featured artists also include: Amy Bennett, Dominic Chambers, Rosson Crow, Jenna Gribbon, Marcus Jahmal, Anna Kenneinally, Hein Koh, Sean Landers, Claire Lehmann, Chris Martin, Catherine Opie, Alex Prager, Ulf Puder, Danielle Roberts, Guðmundur Thoroddsen, Salman Toor and Austin Martin White. 

“This exhibition provides the unique opportunity to see very recent work by some of the best international contemporary painters and photographers working today,” said Goody. “As well as Ragnar Kjartansson’s extraordinary 11-hour video, which literally takes us from daytime into the Scandinavian dusk."

Opening Reception 

Located in 208 Wilson Hall on Oakland University’s campus, the gallery will host an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 16. For more information, call (248) 370-3005 or visit ouartgallery.org.