As an art collector, artist, or interior designer, you spend a lot of time picking out the perfect piece of art to display in your space. But have you ever thought about the impact that lighting can have on the way your art is perceived? Just as lighting plays an important role in photography, it can also make or break the way a piece of art is viewed and appreciated. Let’s delve into the importance of the right lighting for art, and how you can choose the best lighting for your space.
Enhance the Colors and Details of the Art
The right lighting can enhance the colors and details of your art, making them pop and look more vibrant. This is especially important for pieces that have intricate details or colors that are easily reflected in bright lighting. On the other hand, if the lighting is too dim, then the details of your piece will be lost, and the colors will look dull and lifeless. While incandescent lights tend to offer soft, warm lighting, fluorescent bulbs tend to be bright and stark, while LED bulbs come in a range of color temperatures, from bright white and crisp to warm and inviting. Whatever type of lighting you choose, it’s important to make sure that it accurately reflects the colors of your art.
Provide a Focal Point for Your Space
The right lighting can also provide a focal point for your space. By illuminating your art, you’re essentially creating a point of interest that draws people’s attention to that specific area. As a result, your art becomes a conversation starter or a captivating addition to your interior design. As a rule of thumb, a light source that is at least three times greater than the ambient lighting in the room will properly Illuminate your art and draw attention to it. Art lighting can also serve as a functional adjunct or even an alternative to track or recessed lighting. Whether highlighting a single piece or a collection, lighting helps to create a focal point that makes your art the centerpiece of your living space.
Set the Mood for Your Space
Art has the power to evoke a certain mood or feeling, whether it’s calming, energizing, or captivating. But did you know that lighting can also have a significant impact on the emotions the art creates? By dimming the lights, you can create a more relaxed and serene environment, while bright lighting can create a more stimulating and exciting atmosphere. The right lighting can also help to complement the overall aesthetic of your room and elevate the look and feel of your entire space. You may also wish to use a dimmable light, in order to adjust just how much attention you want to draw to the art depending on the circumstances.
Prevent Damage to Your Art
Proper lighting can help to prevent damage to your art. UV light can cause art to fade, while heat (such as that generated by high-wattage incandescent or halogen bulbs) and moisture can create warping or damage to the materials used to create your piece. It’s crucial to choose lighting that’s gentle on your art and includes features like UV filtering and temperature control.
Light as Art
Some art actually incorporates light. Light installations have become increasingly popular, such as Yayoi Kusama’s light and mirror exhibits at the Broad or the many stunning outdoor light installations that can be found throughout the world. At Mash Gallery, some of the pieces incorporate light, such as Haleh Mashian’s Paré de Bijoux, Frank Hyder’s Janis sculptures, or Lisa Schulte’s brilliant neon displays glow with radiant, multi-hued light. When the art itself glows from within, you don’t want overly bright or harsh light drowning out the art itself.
As you can see, the right lighting can make a huge difference in the way your art is viewed and appreciated. By enhancing the colors and details, providing a focal point, setting the mood, and preventing damage, proper lighting can be the finishing touch your art needs to truly shine. Whether you’re an artist, collector, curator, or interior designer, choosing the right lighting can help you showcase your art in the best possible way. Take the time to think about your space, the type of art you’re displaying, and the mood you want to create, and before you know it, your art will look as stunning as it deserves to be.
