Clear your mind and think of nothing. What do you see? Through the summer, the Institute of Contemporary Art shines the spotlight on a state of total, complete nothingness in its major group exhibition, “The Big Nothing.” Beginning May 1 in both gallery spaces, the ICA will feature more than 60 artists’ works from the 1970s to the present, including pieces from Yayoi Kusama that contemplate the metaphysical nothing, art by Jutta Koether that visualizes “nothing” as refusal or negation and Roe Ethridge’s delicate photographic image, “Moon” (left).

The ICA’s exhibit is the cornerstone of a citywide constellation of art, film and talks on the theme of nothing. Other participating venues include sites as varied as Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site, the Pig Iron Theatre Company, International House and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, among others.

— H.A.D.

• WALK ON THROUGH: A walkthrough of the “The Big Nothing” takes place on April 30 at 5 p.m., followed by an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the ICA, 118 South 36th St. Admission $3, artists $2, members/PennCard holders free. The exhibit opens on May 1 and runs through August 1. Info: 215-898-5911 or www.icaphila.org.