Louisiana Art & Science Museum lets the sunshine in

Our fascination with the largest object in our solar system—that would be the sun, in case you were wondering—is the subject of a dynamic exhibit continuing this month at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum.

Taking up the main galleries upstairs and downstairs at the museum, “Sun Light/Star Light” presents fascinating interpretations of the sun from artists and scientists alike.

Much of the main gallery downstairs is in the shadows of a large light-based sculpture by two Canadian artists called “Solar Flare.” Hanging from the ceiling and slowly rotating, its long yellow tubes project dim golden circles of light on the walls, making it function like the slowest disco ball ever.

Images from an ongoing project in Norway feature a glowing orb with a 10-foot radius that was hauled on the back of a truck through the dark Scandinavian winters when the sun rarely rises. The art collective behind “Traveling SUN” documented the trip in haunting images where it seems to give off a comforting warmth despite the icy environment.

Upstairs, the scientific appreciation of the sun takes over with an immersive video projection on three walls simulating what the view would be like on the sun, with solar flares and fiery eruptions happening all around you. It’s more mesmerizing than terrifying, though.

In a nearby room, another video installation shows how the sun gives the moon its glow, with a black-and-white telescopic view of the moon passing slowly across the massive screen.

Overall, the exhibit is a great use of space and an almost quietly reverent ode to the sun. And while our winters aren’t as dark and chilly as Norway’s, a stroll through the exhibit will probably still warm you up.

“Sun Light/Star Light: Contemplations on the Solar Orb” continues this month and closes Jan. 3. lasm.org

Lush landscapes

Part of an ongoing series of exhibits highlighting local artists, the museum’s “Capitol City Contemporary 2: Landscape” continues this month through Jan. 10. Works by a dozen Baton Rouge artists, including Jill Hackney, Sam Corso and Elise Toups are on view.

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