Clifford Ross: Digital Waves

Clifford Ross: Digital Waves transforms the National Gallery of Art’s soaring Rotunda into an immersive “light storm.” A 23-foot-tall screen displays waves of glowing pixels, with each pixel corresponding to an LED bulb, creating an ever-changing vision of ocean movement.

The installation reflects Clifford Ross’s decades-long study of the sea, including his photography of hurricane waves and his computer-generated videos of the ocean. By recreating the seemingly random forms and motion of waves across millions of pixels, Ross explores the ocean’s complexity, power, and capacity to inspire wonder. Visitors can experience the imaginary surf alongside the Rotunda’s cascading fountain.

When: January 21–October 18, 2026

Venue: National Gallery of Art, West Building Main Floor, Rotunda

Tickets: Free admission; passes are not required

Artwork: *Digital Waves*, 2026, computer-generated video

Organization: Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Artist: Clifford Ross

Note: The installation is presented on a 23-foot-tall screen and uses millions of glowing pixels, each corresponding with an LED bulb.