Goodnight Moon: a Rhythm, a Tempo
“Goodnight Moon is the story of experience for and of itself.” – Matthew-Robin Nye
Step inside a storybook come to life.
Goodnight Moon: a Rhythm, a Tempo is an immersive installation by artist Matthew-Robin Nye, inspired by the beloved children’s book Goodnight Moon. This life-sized recreation of the book’s iconic bedroom includes every familiar detail—from the red balloon to the bowl of mush—inviting visitors of all ages into a world shaped by memory, imagination, and play.
More than a tribute, this installation reimagines the book as a quiet, revolutionary work of art. When it was first published, Goodnight Moon broke with tradition by creating a gentle, open space for children to simply be, rather than telling them what to become. Nye builds on this idea by creating what he calls “shimmers”—moments of joy, curiosity, and small discoveries sparked through play and presence.
Whether you’re attending a special program during the exhibition or exploring on your own, you’re invited to interact with the space in your own way: read, knit, nap, or sit in stillness. This is a space for rest, reflection, and delight—a world made for dreaming.
This exhibition was originally produced by Sunbury Shores Art and Nature Centre. The set is constructed by Rob Bird, based on the book by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrations by Clement Hurd.
About the Artist
Matthew-Robin Nye is a conceptual artist and a Joseph-Armand Bombardier PhD candidate at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Society and Culture at Concordia University. Based in Montréal, QC, Nye’s research spans the fields of contemporary art, process philosophy, and performance theory. Nye’s doctoral project explores how small, meaningful experiences can challenge how we usually see things, and suggest new ways of living and connecting with others. His work focuses on moments that can open space for more diverse forms of expression, particularly around queer identity, and offer a deeper, more vibrant experience of life on its edges.