FLASH Light Art Biennial 2026 kicks off – see our picks!

In 2026, the FLASH Light Art Biennial runs from 7 to 22 November, and its theme is Veiled Light– a second reality that opens up between light and darkness.

The theme invites us to experience the northern darkness of November as a space in which the boundaries between the familiar and the unknown, the visible and the invisible, begin to blur. The works in the biennial explore this in-between space through nature, memory and human experience.

As darkness settles over us, the way we observe, experience and claim ownership of urban space takes on different perspectives. The exhibition built around the theme depicts the cycle of light and darkness from a Nordic perspective and considers how light art can enliven the urban dark and influence how it is experienced.

Over the two weeks, the theme is explored and reflected on through a thought-provoking seminar, timely exhibitions and unique curator tours. The biennial is free of charge and invites everyone to experience light art!

Installation: Art of Darkness light art trail

Pikisaari nature trail
7–22 November, 5–10pm

The lighting pilot completed on the Pikisaari shore trail is part of an international research project exploring ways to develop the use and experiential qualities of cultural heritage sites after dark through subtle lighting adapted to its surroundings. The first light art exhibition to use this new technology is realised on the trail as part of the FLASH Light Art Biennial. The Art of Darkness as Cultural Heritage of Urban Landscape research project is coordinated by the University of Oulu, and the City of Oulu has participated in the installation of the light art trail. 

Installation: Betonin tietoisuus

AaltoSiilo, Paalikatu 2
7–18 November, 5–10pm
19–22 November, 4–10pm

The work by artist Arttu Nieminen transforms the colossal concrete structures of AaltoSiilo into a living, shimmering substance. Moving at the intersection of media art and light art, it opens up a hypnotic, almost breathing space on the surface of the concrete.

Installation: Harmaa kohina

AaltoSiilo, Paalikatu 2
7–18 November, 5–10pm
19–22 November, 4–10pm

The light in this work by artist Ilkka Paloniemi makes the air and its movement visible, drawing out the gauzy nature of the air with light. The sound of the work is a collage-like weave of composed sound and recordings of shortwave radio frequencies heard around the globe. The light art is part of a series of works in which the artist explores and brings out Earth's phenomena and their meanings.

Installation: Alkusynty

Saari Central Library, Kaarlenväylä 3
19–22 November, 4–10pm

A poetic media art animation by artist Vappu Rossi shows the shadow of a small tree seedling that magically grows and develops as the light travels through the day, from dawn to dusk. The work is based on the idea of the life cycle: a day begins, a day ends, and something small but wondrous may happen in between.
The façade work at the Saari Central Library is organised in collaboration with the Lumo light event.

FLASH Seminar: Light Art in Urban Darkness

Tarkastamo event space, Saaristonkatu 1
20 November 2026, 10am–4pm

The talks examine the dark season in urban space, how it is experienced and who owns it, from a range of perspectives, and consider how light art can enliven the urban dark and influence how it is experienced. The discussions also address light art’s relationship to the distinctiveness and cultural history of a place, as well as the different roles of permanent light art and event-based light content in urban space. The starting point of the seminar is the idea that a sustainable lighting environment for the dark season requires shared understanding and discussion across sectors.

The seminar is open to all but requires registration. Register from this link.  

The event can be followed on site or via live stream. The main language of the event is English.

Read more from this link.

Read more on the FLASH Light Art Biennial event website from this link.