Through Illuminated Compositions, Raul de Nieves Transforms a Hall into a Bold Sanctuary

"In a monumental new installation, Raúl de Nieves brings Catholic imagery, Mexican folklore, and tarot into dazzling view. For "In Light of Innocence," Pioneer Works ' Main Hall transforms into a vibrant sanctuary complete with 50 stained glass-like panels that reach up toward the heavens. The individual pieces are fitted into the space's windows, with a larger lightbox mural radiating from below."

"De Nieves is known for utilizing common materials, including wood, glue, tape, and, for this project, brilliantly colored acetate that allows light to filter into the open hall. Along with swapping plastic for glass, the artist also upends the typical cathedral environment with non-religious imagery and typographic panels. Included are a skeleton riding a horse-long a symbol of transformation in tarot-and bold phrases like "happiness runs in circular motion" and "words are like weapons they wound sometimes.""

Raúl de Nieves transforms Pioneer Works' Main Hall into a vibrant sanctuary with 50 stained glass-like acetate panels and a large lightbox mural that radiates from below. The panels are fitted into the hall's windows and rise toward the heavens, allowing colored light to filter into the open space. Materials include wood, glue, tape, and brilliantly colored acetate that substitutes for glass while preserving luminous effects. Imagery merges Catholic iconography, Mexican folklore, and tarot symbolism alongside typographic panels bearing phrases such as "happiness runs in circular motion" and "words are like weapons they wound sometimes." A skeleton riding a horse evokes tarot's transformation motif. The installation fosters reflection and cross-belief connection while framing change as renewal and inner strength. The immersive exhibition is the artist's first institutional show in New York City and is on view through December 14.

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