Join us for a unique opportunity to celebrate the Spring Equinox and the official opening of the installation of Christian Sampson’s Vernal Equinox Part 1 in the MFA Conservatory. Sampson’s four-part installation series, Tempus volat, hora fugit, translates from Latin to “time flies, hours flee.” Through the seemingly simple means of light and color Tempus volat, hora fugit is an immersive artwork that addresses the passage of time, and the magnitude of our natural world. One may find themselves following rays of sunlight in ways they never have before, contemplating the very turning of the earth’s axis and the changing of seasons.

Each iterative installation will take place according to the astronomical calendar, with the first on March 20, 2023, the Vernal Equinox. This will be followed by additions by the artist on June 21, the Summer Solstice; September 23, the Autumn Equinox; and December 21, the Winter Solstice.

We invite you to stop by the museum between 10 am – 5 pm on Monday, March 20, to see this brilliant work in the MFA Conservatory. The artist, Christian Sampson, will be available for a meet and greet from 10-11 am.

Christian Sampson is a multimedia artist whose practice is anchored largely by philosophies related to the Light and Space movement that originated in California in the 1960s, particularly ideas of ephemerality and optical perception. Sampson has worked site-specifically, spending time in the Museum’s Mary Alice McClendon Conservatory, to experience the changing of light that is so beautifully captured in our east-facing wall of windows that look out onto the Bay.

Sampson earned his BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota, FL and an MFA from Hunter College, New York City, NY. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States as well as at the Centre Pompidou-Metz, Lorraine, FR. He lives and works in Los Angeles, CA.

Free for everyone

Please note: Access to the MFA Conservatory only. Museum galleries and special exhibitions will not be open to the public during this special Open House viewing of Vernal Equinox.