Lighting as Art: Exploring the Intersection of Design and Function
Nothing transforms a space more powerfully than creative lighting. When you use light and light fixtures as art rather than solely utilitarian purposes, an entire space can become an immersive, unique form of creative expression. Of course, lighting has the potential to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space, but it can also be used to create an environment that merges design and function. Through the use of creative lighting installations and custom lighting fixtures, rooms can become interactive and dynamic spaces.
Design and Function Merge
Most spaces use every day lighting with little creativity, focusing primarily on function. Some may give consideration to developing a cohesive style for the space and perhaps install some accent lighting for added ambiance. However, lighting fixtures can become art when the function converges with great design. With creativity and a little outside-the-box thinking, lighting can be a powerful tool in creating a captivating atmosphere that transforms the way a space is experienced.
Creative Light Installations as Art
Creative light installations use light in non-traditional ways to create an immersive environment. These installations can be interactive, often using a variety of light sources to create illusions in the space. For example, the installation can alter the perception of depth or scale in the room. Lighting fixture choices sometimes include LED strips, spotlights, or projectors.
Projection mapping is one interesting approach for creative light installations. Through projecting images or videos, the walls, floors, and furniture become the canvas. The digital art projected on them is carefully designed around the contours and features of the room. These installations are often used in art displays and stage productions.
Interactive light shows are sometimes found in museums or public spaces. These creative art installations engage the viewers through the use of motion sensors and touch-sensitive technologies, creating an interactive art experience.
Architectural lighting designs are perhaps the lowest-tech form of creative light installations, as well as the most practical. Architectural lighting designs can be used to enhance exterior design, highlighting the unique architectural features of a building while defining the space. Designers may use recessed lights, spotlights, linear LEDs and decorative features to create the desired mood or atmosphere while providing sufficient lighting for safety.
Sculptural and Custom Lighting Fixtures
Beyond using light as an artistic medium, the fixtures themselves, such as sculptural chandeliers and light sculptures can become the focal point for art. Sculptural chandeliers are perhaps the most common and ordinary of the custom light fixtures. They often provide an elegant and artistic feel while still providing practical ambient light to a space, merging art and light. Some modern versions are very sleek and minimal, though they still stand out from traditional chandeliers. Others incorporate ornate design elements including hand-blown glass or unique metalwork.
Light sculptures are a varied and interesting form of custom lighting fixtures. The fluorescent sculptures by Hitoshi Kuriyama are one interesting example, where the artist clusters fluorescent tubes into chaotic, strange groups which hang from gallery ceilings. However, light sculptures can be created with a variety of materials, using metal or even recycled objects to create a unique sculpture that emits light.
Using Smart Lighting Systems for Art-Inspired Lighting
Smart lighting options bring a new, high-tech option to artistic expression through light. Smart lighting enables you to create your own preset lighting scenes to match a specific event or mood, even integrating with other smart devices to create a dynamic experience. For example, a smart lighting system in a dining area can be programmed to provide bright light during a meal. Afterward, the system could seamlessly transition the area to a more relaxed, low light setting and could even adjust to feature another area of the room aside from the dining table.
Using light in artistic ways to feature your space doesn’t have to be extreme. You can make your space your own through inspiration from these creative light installations and custom light fixtures. Look for your own sculptural chandeliers, or take an existing practical light fixture and recreate it into a DIY version of a sculptural chandelier. Use your smart lighting system to set scenes that create mood lighting and integrate other sensory experiences like music or ambient noise.
Think about ways to use lighting to feature and add drama to your favorite architectural element of your home. The possibilities are truly endless when you view lighting as self-expression and an opportunity for creating art, rather than a mere practical necessity. For expert guidance and a wide selection of lighting options, visit 1000bulbs.com or call (800) 624-4488 to speak with one of our knowledgeable US-based account managers. Let us help you transform your home into a masterpiece of illumination that reflects your unique style and showcases your cherished architectural elements.
