In our previous article we have seen what were the stakes of the lighting of art. Indeed, the presentation of works of art requires to think in qualities of light. Let us be interested now in the fact of knowing :
How to illuminate art?
Categories of lights :
There are 3 categories of lights
Light to see :
Either the simple general lighting. This category, which can take the form, for example, of uniform vertical lighting, is perfectly suited to illuminate works of art on the wall while facilitating the orientation of users.
Highlighting light:
Either accent lighting that enhances works, surfaces and areas and prioritizes perception. Whether it’s to showcase art or architectural elements, it’s an essential way to draw the viewer’s attention.
Decorative lighting:
Ornamental lighting that makes light an object of wonder and an aesthetic end in itself. This includes: colored light effects, decorative lighting, artistic light installations.
LED lighting:
Thanks to the possibilities of LED lighting, lighting is now appropriate, without compromising the visual experience and the protection of the works.
LED light meets the requirements of curators, scientists, museographers, conservators and administrators. However, illuminating art means not only illuminating the works on display, but also the architecture, and therefore taking into account the needs of visitors
High-end LEDs produce light that is free of damaging ultraviolet and infrared rays. By varying the brightness, e.g. by means of a potentiometer on the projector, it is possible to define a level of illumination that is suitable for the conservation of the works.
In contrast to halogen lamps, with LEDs the quality of light remains constant.
Enhancing Artwork:
During the visit, the accentuation draws attention with subtlety or emphasis to the pieces on display. Colored walls, as seen in many historical settings, create subtle contrasts between paintings and backgrounds. Accent lighting will intensify the contrasts in brightness. Even more, a precise beam of light enhances the individuality of the works in the space. The surfaces become brighter with this directed light and the play of light and shadow on the sculptures is intensified.
Works in front of a neutral background:
Neutral, all-white rooms create an impression of sobriety and objectivity. Contributing to a balanced presentation, this avoids the curator of the exhibition to underline the importance of each object.
Rooms and works of art are treated equally, which reinforces their unity.
Differentiated Staging:
Visually impressive settings celebrate the encounter with art as a rich experience. In this context, the individual illumination of the works is only one aspect of the lighting concept, since it is just as much about creating an atmosphere through light that is specific to the theme of the exhibition. Different light levels create hierarchies of perception between the exhibits and the surrounding space.
In addition, different color temperatures help to create contrasts between the areas and thus enhance the emotional experience of the whole.
Orientation and visual comfort:
Light is ideal for guiding visitors through a museum and orienting them through the exhibits.
Luminaires of different wattages allow for different levels of brightness in both small and large spaces.
Likewise, social preferences vary, requiring adaptation of form. Large-format minimalist paintings, for example, will produce maximum effect under vertical lighting covering a large area. Conversely, small, high-contrast pictures should be accentuated. In addition to the lighting of objects, museographers and gallery owners see light as an essential component in the overall staging of the exhibition and the building. This provides visitors with a spectacular access to culture and architecture.
The quality of a museum visit depends on the lighting, but also on the visual comfort that the lighting provides. Accessories such as anti-glare frames increase visual comfort
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