Don't expect to see any spotlights or track lighting inside the Museum of Anthropology's newest gallery space.

Among many technologically advanced features, the Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks, housed in the area that once belonged to the Michael M. Ames Theatre, incorporates a cutting-edge lighting system that exhibition designer Skooker Broome says plays on an important metaphor about the first pieces of art to be housed in the gallery.

"A lot of the technology that we've incorporated is coming from a concept that starts with the objects first," he told the Straight last week.

The objects, more than 110 pieces of historical indigenous artwork, make up In a Different Light: Reflecting on Northwest Coast Art, the museum's forthcoming exhibition and one of the largest-ever exhibits of its kind.

"In looking at environment and the spaces where the objects come from and the people [that make them] come from, what is in that space that can be used as a metaphor or used as an interpretive element?... In this case, we're using technologies that can bring the daylight to the inside. The technology can never overshadow the work, or the messaging," Broome said.

Specialized sensors installed on the exterior of the gallery will communicate with the lights inside to reflect the quality and temperature of the outdoor light, showing the objects in a way that will be more consistent with how they might have been seen when they were first created and used.

The array of works will feature pieces from an anonymous donation of historical and contemporary artworks worth over $7 million, made late last year, plus works from MOA's established collection, and contributions from prviate and institutional lenders.

While light will play an important part in the exhibit, another important element will be the multimedia pieces presented alongside the historical works, which incorporate audio and video from interviews with more than 30 contemporary indigenous artists as they reflect on specific pieces. 

"[The exhibit] looks at how these historical artworks exceed or transcend the idea of art and artifact, primarily through presenting these works through the perspectives of contemporary indigenous artists, and other community members," said Jordan Wilson, one of the exhibition's three curators. 

The rare works include carvings, jewelry, basketry, and textiles by Indigenous artists including Charles Edenshaw, Bill Reid, and Robert Davidson, among others. 

MOA will celebrate the grand opening of In a Different Light: Reflecting on Northwest Coast Art on Thursday, June 22 with free admission for all who attend.

For a first look inside the gallery, watch the video below.