Modern art lighting isn’t just about providing enough illumination to see the subject; it’s also about blending into the aesthetics of the artwork. There are a number of precious works from this period, some of them created by masters like Picasso and Matisse, and they deserve a fixture that is just as beautiful.
But showing off priceless works can be tricky and requires a great deal of forethought to do correctly. This is why a homeowner should consider visiting museums, galleries, and illumination designers to get ideas on how to pull it off.
The requirements for modern art lighting are more specialized than they might seem from the start. The fixture must be both functional and aesthetically pleasing to show off priceless work with care. That’s why it is important to visit museums, galleries, and illumination designers in order to get ideas on how best to pull it off.
Safety and output are two primary concerns when setting up modern art lighting.
Most pieces from this period used oils, and these are highly sensitive to excess heat and ultraviolet radiation. Placing the fixture too close to the painting or using certain types of fixtures will damage it and cause it to age faster than necessary.
However, illumination output is essential for proper display- through dimensions, the height of the ceiling, and colors can all affect how it looks.
In general- the goal is to aim for a level that is three times greater than ambient illumination. It usually takes some fine-tuning though, so it’s best to consult with an expert in order to get this right on any piece.
* It is important to note that there are some exceptions for how close a fixture can be placed near an artwork- usually these are paintings from this period that were created with other materials rather than oils, or if they have been restored and sealed by a professional.
These pieces do not need as much protection, but a gallery or museum will usually have this information on hand.
Counterpoint: Some people suggest using a more natural light source, like sunlight from an east or west window. This can be risky because the artwork will need to be placed in such a way that it is not damaged by direct contact with UV rays and heat.
This could mean keeping them inside away from ultraviolet radiation, which would severely limit the actual amount of light they receive.
If this is the route taken, then a high-quality UV filter would need to be placed on any window that gets direct sunlight in order to protect the artwork from aging prematurely due to excessive exposure.
Modern Art Lighting Takeaways
This post discussed the expectations for modern art lighting and gave some general guidelines to follow when setting up a display. These are more specialized than they might at first seem, so it is important to visit museums or galleries in order to get ideas on how best to pull this off.
Placing the fixture too close to the painting or using certain types of fixtures will damage it and cause it to age faster than necessary. However- illumination output is essential for proper display through dimensions, the height of the ceiling, and colors can all affect how the lighting looks as it strikes the piece.
As an art lover, you probably have a favorite painting or sculpture that hangs in your home. You may take great care to ensure the lighting around this piece is just right so it can be viewed at its best and appreciated for how beautiful it truly is. If you’re not confident about what kind of light will work best with modern pieces like these, we want help! Call us today for more information on our offerings.