After Rain Comes Neon Light

What happens when you let go of the world around you and fully surrender to feeling? When intuition, association, and creativity take precedence over expectations? Na Regen komt Neonlicht (After Rain Comes Neon Light) is the result of Arnhem-based R&B producer/songwriter KIMONO’s research into his creative and personal development. Spanning music, a club night, and an exhibition, this project takes visitors on a sensory journey through 10 years in which KIMONO’s artistic vision and identity took shape.
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Graphic Design
Dana Dijkgraaf
Photography
Eva Broekema & Jur Ruberti
Exhibition Design
Studio Metmet
Film
Dana Dijkgraaf, Richard Dijkgraaf
Color correction
KIMONO
Music
Artlist and soundscape made for the exhibition

Concept
In the exhibition, art, music, and stimulating design guide visitors through KIMONO’s emotions and thoughts, as well as those of his community. Themes such as love, loneliness, fear, greed, identity, and art are explored. Throughout his career, KIMONO has worked intuitively and autonomously, and this philosophy shaped the exhibition as well. Positioned as the public-in-residence, KIMONO collaborated closely with his community, forging a unique connection with the museum and redefining how art can resonate with them.

The exhibition combined iconic works from Museum Arnhem’s collection with contemporary pieces meaningful to KIMONO—some never before displayed in a museum, such as the helmet from a Frank Ocean music video. Other works, like those by Sabine Marcelis and Daniel Arsham, have gained popularity on platforms like Instagram. By blending high art with contemporary culture, the exhibition bridged traditional and new audiences.

What we Made
The exhibition’s bold design—created by KIMONO, studio metmet, and Dana Dijkgraaf—was a full sensory experience. Color, light, sound, and artworks worked together to immerse visitors in KIMONO’s world. The space was divided into two contrasting environments: After Rain Comes Neon Light. This contrast was expressed through colored light, distinct shapes, and two opposing typefaces, symbolizing the merging of different worlds. A carefully designed soundscape further enriched the experience.

Visitors were welcomed by a large gradient billboard that continuously changed, setting the tone for an ever-evolving exhibition. The innovative exhibition approach aligned with Museum Arnhem’s dedication to gender equality and inclusivity. By engaging directly with communities and leaving behind traditional museum structures, the exhibition opened up new conversations about contemporary culture and art’s place within it.

Sparkles
This exhibition was a testament to the power of listening to communities and making art more accessible. It not only introduced a new demographic to the museum but also demonstrated how design, sound, and interactivity can create a deeper emotional connection with art. By stepping outside of conventional exhibition formats, Na Regen komt Neonlicht contributed to a more inclusive and immersive cultural landscape—both inside and outside the art world.

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