Nocturnes
Nocturnes explores the emotional and imaginative possibilities of nighttime through photographs by eight artists. The exhibition considers how darkness can evoke calm, mystery, unease, and cinematic narratives, inviting visitors to imagine stories, write poems, or reflect on their own experiences after dark. Commissioned music, a specially designed sonic environment, and atmospheric lighting immerse visitors in the installation.
The exhibition features works by Larry Sultan, Yokomizo Shizuka, Guadalupe Rosales, Todd Hido, Angela Strassheim, Lewis Baltz, Tom Hunter, and Gregory Crewdson. Sound artist and photographer Saam Gabbay created original tracks for each work by combining recordings from nature and city streets with acoustic and electronic music.
When: July 23, 2026–January 31, 2027
Venue: National Gallery of Art, West Building
Location: West Building Ground Floor, Gallery G39
Tickets: Free
Admission: Admission is always free, and passes are not required.
Featured artists: Larry Sultan, Yokomizo Shizuka, Guadalupe Rosales, Todd Hido, Angela Strassheim, Lewis Baltz, Tom Hunter, and Gregory Crewdson
Selected works: Larry Sultan’s *Evening, Los Angeles*; Yokomizo Shizuka’s *Untitled (Hitorigoto) 10*; Guadalupe Rosales’s *shortcut*; Todd Hido’s *#7373*; Angela Strassheim’s *Untitled (Girls in Pickup)*; Lewis Baltz’s *There is No Life Outside of These Verona Walls*; Tom Hunter’s *The Vale of Rest*; and Gregory Crewdson’s *Untitled (Second Skin)*
Sound and lighting: A commissioned sonic environment by Saam Gabbay pairs nature and city-street recordings with original acoustic and electronic music, with distinctive tracks created for each artwork. Special lighting contributes to the immersive installation.
Organized by: National Gallery of Art, Washington
Curator: Andrea Nelson, associate curator of photographs