Classic Modernism section
The transformation of colour into light is one of the major themes of 20th-century art. By means of some 110 works by 54 artists, the exhibition explores the development of this theme in Neo-Impressionism, Fauvism and the movements that followed, right up to contemporary light art. Artists no longer represented a single light source in their works, replacing it by pure colour contrasts. Their paintings and colours are consequently charged with luminosity.

Contemporary section
Moving beyond the monochrome painting of the 1950s (Rothko), artists ventured away from easel painting and started painting in space with real light sources such as fluorescent and neon tubes. Visitors can experience for themselves the transition from "painted light to painting with light" as they view these works in the special setting constructed for them.

Commissioned works
Renzo Piano made very conscious use of light when he designed the Fondation Beyeler. His approach is now accentuated by three commissioned works in the exhibition, which are being displayed in the foyer, the winter garden and on the external walls. Those works are being complemented by a second huge installation by Michel Verjux on the Theaterplatz in Basel, which will transport the exhibition's light into the city when night falls.