Bright Golden Haze, Oklahoma Contemporary’s inaugural exhibition, explores the ways artists use light to create place, both geographic and conceptual, inspired by the quality of light and space in the state and the new building itself. The exhibition, which takes its title from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!,presents works by artists from around the world and in Oklahoma, each providing a unique perspective on how environment, identity and perception are shaped through the medium of light.

The Kirkpatrick Family Fund, one of the leading philanthropies providing support to nonprofit organizations in central Oklahoma, has funded a series of grants for Oklahoma City arts and cultural organizations collaborating with Oklahoma Contemporary to produce exhibitions and programs related to Bright Golden Haze. Grantee exhibitions/programs can interpret the curatorial framework of light as a medium in any number of ways.