Unique Art Exhibit Invites You to Step Into Near-Total Darkness
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (July 18, 2025) – The St. Augustine Art Association announces its upcoming exhibit, "What We See in the Shadows," which will be on display in the gallery and online from July 17 to August 31, 2025. The exhibit invites visitors to experience artwork in near-total darkness, illuminated only by blacklights and flashlights. This immersive, sensory-shifting exhibition challenges traditional ways of seeing art, which is usually well-lit and beautifully displayed on the wall. By limiting vision and altering perception, details of each work will emerge slowly, compositions will shift, and hidden elements will be revealed. With just a beam of light in hand, experience the darkness as much as the visible elements of each piece.
“I wanted to do an exhibit that challenged artists to give viewers a different type of gallery experience–a little plot twist, if you will,” says Jennifer Flynt, Executive Director of St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA). “’What We See in the Shadows’ is a uniquely personal experience because how viewers engage with the art and what they see is entirely up to them.”
The featured works are in varying mediums and media, with some pieces incorporating neon or glow-in-the-dark materials and layering imagery that reveals itself through flashlight or blacklight illumination. “We’re used to seeing artwork in the light; however, what happens when you’re forced to look at it bit by bit?” Flynt says. “The overall image and perspective changes, or maybe you see something you wouldn’t have noticed with full lighting. For the artists, it’s a challenge to create a cohesive image that will be viewed in fragments.”
“What We See in the Shadows” offers a chance to experience a unique interplay between light and shadow, revealing surprising elements and details in an intimate, darkened gallery. It sets a scene to find special intricacies, hidden images, and perspectives that might otherwise be missed in brighter conditions. Experience the darkness (and the light) at “What We See in the Shadows,” Tuesdays through Sundays from 12pm to 4pm, at STAAA in downtown St. Augustine at 22 Marine Street. Flashlights are provided. Curiosity is required.
Visitors can use the provided flashlights and blacklights to illuminate pieces like Melania Atzori’s “Dancing in the Moonlight” and Victoria Yokota’s “I Am Only an Egg,” revealing hidden details and bringing the works to life. Awards for this juried exhibit will be presented during the Friday, August 1st, First Friday Art Walk at 7pm.
ABOUT ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION – The St. Augustine Art Association (STAAA), located at 22 Marine Street in downtown St. Augustine, Florida, is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting excellence in the arts since 1924. STAAA supports the vibrant arts community in St. Augustine and preserves its rich artistic heritage and culture. Through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, educational programs, and outreach, STAAA fosters a creative and accessible environment for artists of all backgrounds and skill levels. Their permanent collection includes works by the founding members, known as the ‘Lost Colony’ artists. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 4pm, and admission is free. Photos can be found here. For more information, visit www.staaa.org, and follow along on Facebook @StAugArtAssoc and Instagram @staugartassoc
