Night Gallery is pleased to present Solis, a new body of photographic works by Lily Kwong, on view in the Chapel Viewing Room from November 16 through December 7, 2024. Kwong’s presentation at Night Gallery coincides with a long-term outdoor installation in the courtyard, Subterrestrial.

Kwong’s Solis series of lumen—or solar photogram—prints, are inspired by the artist’s transition into motherhood and her subsequent reflections on renewal. The artist uses a nineteenth-century technique and expired photographic paper to capture native plants that she foraged from her own garden and the Santa Monica mountains. Utilizing salt, gold, and other alchemizing elements, she fixes the images permanently. Solis is a lyrical extension of Kwong’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, recycled materials, and reverence for the natural world.

Through both Solis and Subterrestrial, Kwong demonstrates an indexical approach to Southern California’s plant life. Her process negotiates between chance and control, allowing natural elements such as light, weather, and seasonal change to influence her aesthetics. This collaborative approach imbues her work with the spirit and essence of the region’s unique ecology.

Lily Kwong works at the junction of contemporary art, horticulture, urban design, climate awareness, and wellness, reconnecting people to nature through transformative landscape projects and site-specific botanical art installations. Kwong has been part of numerous public art initiatives since beginning her practice in 2016, including botanical installations at The New York Botanical Garden, New York; The Highline, New York; Faena Arts, Miami; Grand Central Terminal, New York; Salone Del Mobile, Milan; EXPO Chicago, Il; and others. She has received numerous accolades for her work: ARCHMARATHON & Dezeen Awards in 2020 and 2024, and more. Kwong was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 (Art & Style) list in 2018 and ELLE DECOR’s A-List. She has been selected to speak at MOCA, The Aspen Ideas Festival, The World Youth Forum, Design Miami and NeueHouse. Recognizing her efforts, Kwong was named one of “9 Young New Yorkers Poised for Creative Greatness” by The New York Times, and her work has been featured in The New Yorker, Vogue, Architectural Digest, Domino, Forbes, Fast Company, and more. The artist lives and works between Los Angeles and New York City.