Immerse yourself in world-class contemporary art at an unmissable exhibition at The Light - Durham’s latest cultural venue.

Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light explores our relationship with light by bringing together groundbreaking works by international artists who use the medium in extraordinary and experimental ways.

A history of light

The exhibition takes its name from a 1913 Russian Futurist Opera, in which characters attempt to abolish time and capture the sun.

It also plays on parallels with the 19th century scientists Joseph Swan and Thomas Edison whose invention of artificial light freed humanity from the limits of the rising and setting sun. 

Born in the historic county of Durham, Swan’s 1878/9 light bulb acts as a catalyst for the start of the exhibition, which goes on to examine how artists have employed light as a material in their work from the 1960s, to the present day.

The exhibition explores various themes, perceptions, the different dimensions of light, and how it can be used as a tool for drawing.

Sensory encounters

Featuring works by Tracey Emin, Dan Flavin, and Chila Burman to name but a few, Victory Over the Sun reflects on humanity’s enduring fascination with the sun, and our desire to harness and replicate it.

From Stardust Particle, 2014, by Olafur Eliasson to Our Spectral Vision 2016 by Liz West, you will see light moulded and formed in striking ways.

From day to night

Experience Victory Over The Sun in a new atmosphere at one of The Light’s new After Dark events.

Taking place on the first Friday night of the month, After Dark features exhibitions, live performances, music, food, drinks, installations and more. 

Each edition is co-curated by a leading artist, musician, filmmaker or creative collaborator, with the first three events presented in partnership with creatives involved in Victory Over The Sun. Look out for Tine Bech on 2 October, Liz West on 6 November and Neon Workshops on 4 December. 

After Dark is just one of the exciting events taking place at The Light this autumn. View the full programme at thelightdurham.org.uk.

Even more to see and do

Visitors to The Light can also discover more about County Durham’s proud military heritage at We Are the Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition. This permanent exhibition tells a deeply human story of identity, belonging and community through fascinating objects, images, sounds and hands-on activities.

If all that culture has made you hungry, tuck into delicious cakes, sandwiches, paninis and more at The Light’s on-site café.

And don’t forget to explore The Light’s beautiful grounds. Surrounded by woodland and with trails leading to a beautiful local nature reserve, it is the perfect place to unwind and experience autumn colours.

Plan your visit

The Light is located in Aykley Heads, just a short walk from Durham Railway Station and Durham City.

Entry to The Light and We Are The Durhams is free.

Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light runs until 17 January 2027. Tickets can be booked online at thelightdurham.org.uk priced at £10 for adults and £2.50 for children under 18 for a two-hour timed entry slot. An exhibition season pass is available priced at £25. Tickets are also available to buy on the door priced at £12.50 for adults and £2.50 for children.

To find out more and book tickets, visit thelightdurham.org.uk 

To stay up to date with the latest news and events, follow @thelightdurham on Facebook and Instagram.