Kimsooja's shimmering installation reflects lights in Monacelli's rainbow dreams exhibition. Visitors admire luminous textures.

Monacelli’s “Rainbow Dreams” Showcases 200 Dazzling Works Exploring Light and Color

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-09-03

A Celebration of Light and Color in Monacelli’s Rainbow Dreams

Imbued with rich and vivid hues, Rainbow Dreams by Monacelli takes readers on a visual journey through more than 200 artworks. This captivating book, often referred to simply as “the collection,” features installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs that explore the endless possibilities of pigment. From Do Ho Suh’s ethereal structures to Kimsooja’s shimmering mirrors, each piece serves as a testament to creative expression and the beauty of light.

Featuring the Collection in Art

The book showcases a diverse array of notable artists previously highlighted on Colossal. Names such as Nina Chanel Abney, Nick Cave, and DRIFT join the lineup, contributing pieces that invite viewers to interpret the interplay of colors in new ways within this vibrant anthology. Each page is adorned with a smooth color gradient that extends to its edges, making the book itself a work of art.

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Do Ho Suh's installation features a translucent passage, inviting viewers to explore its vibrant colors.
Do Ho Suh, installation view of ‘Do Ho Suh: Passage/s’ (2017). Photo: Thierry Bal, © Do Ho Suh, courtesy of the artist; Lehmann Maupin, New York, Seoul, and London; and Victoria Miro
Gabriel Dawe’s colorful thread installation hangs, creating a rainbow spectrum light effect.
Gabriel Dawe, “Plexus A1” (2015). Photo by Ron Blunt

A Vibrant Object of Art

Beyond its contents, Rainbow Dreams is a playful and celebratory object, defined by the interplay of color within its binding. Its design encourages readers to engage not just with the artworks on the pages, but with the book as a vibrant sensory experience in itself. This tome is not just a display of art but an experience in colorful immersion.

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Shoplifter's installation exhibits cascading vibrant fibers, evoking a psychedelic cavern experience.
Shoplifter, “Chromo Sapiens” (2019). Photo by Elisabet Davidsdottir
Lauren Halsey's mixed media piece presents layered cultural symbols in a vibrant urban scene.
Lauren Halsey, “auntie fawn on tha 6” (2021). Photo by Allen Chen / SLH Studio, courtesy Lauren Halsey and David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles

Anticipated Release

Set to release on April 8, Rainbow Dreams offers a dynamic survey of contemporary art that embraces the brilliance of the color spectrum. The collection can be explored in depth by art enthusiasts who pre-order their copy through the Colossal Shop, ensuring they are among the first to experience this extensive collection.

Kimsooja combines reflections and light in a luminous installation at Leeum Museum of Art.
Kimsooja, “To Breathe – Leeum” (2022). Photo by Seungbeom Hur, © the artist, courtesy pf Leeum Museum of Art and Kimsooja Studio
Sho Shibuya’s ongoing series of sunrise depictions viewed from a small window.
Sho Shibuya, “Sunrise from a small window” (May 2020–ongoing). Image © Sho Shibuya
Ian Davenport's vibrant paint streams cascade down a staircase in a dynamic pattern.
Ian Davenport, “Poured Staircase” (2021). Photo by Prudence Cuming Associates
Beatriz Milhazes' abstract artwork features swirling, colorful geometric patterns.
Beatriz Milhazes, “Marilola” (2010–15). Photo by Eduardo Ortega
Assorted vibrant paintings displayed, showcasing creative explorations of light and color.

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the focus of Rainbow Dreams by Monacelli?

Rainbow Dreams by Monacelli focuses on exploring more than 200 artworks through a visual journey of light and color. The collection includes installations, sculptures, paintings, and photographs that delve into the possibilities of pigment.

Which artists are featured in Rainbow Dreams?

Rainbow Dreams features a diverse array of notable artists, including Nina Chanel Abney, Nick Cave, and DRIFT, among others. These artists contribute pieces that offer new interpretations of color within the vibrant anthology.

When will Rainbow Dreams be released?

Rainbow Dreams is set to release on April 8. Art enthusiasts can pre-order their copy through the Colossal Shop to be among the first to experience this extensive collection.