Tucked away inside NIU’s most recognizable building is the NIU Art Museum. Located in Altgeld Hall 116, the museum is currently displaying Transparent Factors in Form and Content through Friday, Feb. 15.

This exhibition aims to present, “… literal and figurative interpretations and investigations along the spectrum of transparency, translucency and opacity,” according to the NIU Art Museum website. True to its name, the displays have an airy, ethereal quality.

In the image above, the three light boxes juxtapose the natural, sunny light of the forest with harsh fluorescent lighting. Although it appears that the light bulbs are on top of the photographs, they are actually a part of the image. The light source comes from behind the photo itself.

Across the hallway in the Rotunda Gallery, the exhibition continues. I’ll admit I’m a bit of a museum nerd. I love displays and the opportunity to quietly appreciate what an artist has spent weeks perfecting.

The exhibition didn’t just focus on one medium, but explores different ways to express transparency through video, thread, paint, photography and more. The image above shows the subtle design from threading wool through mesh.

See the museum’s website for more information about museum hours and upcoming displays.