How is light art defined?

Light art is a genre of visual art in which light plays a defining role —whether as a material or a theme —and the quality of the light is significant, while visibility is not the primary purpose. Light art is a form of media art. The light source need not be electric; daylight or fire, for instance, can serve as the source of light for a work.

Light art can take many forms —such as a spatial installation, sculpture, painting, environmental work, performance, or even a textile piece —with no restrictions on the work's shape. Light art shares many similarities with other fields that utilize light, making it difficult at times to draw a clear line between them. For example, light art and lighting design are sometimes confused. In light art, light is the primary element, whereas in lighting design, the focus is on the performance as a whole; furthermore, a performance typically involves a live performer. The distinction between functional lighting and light art is also fluid, though in lighting, the object being illuminated is paramount, whereas in light art, the light itself takes center stage. A particularly challenging boundary exists between light art and video art, as a video projector can also serve as a light source. There is no simple dividing line between these art forms, but generally, video art tends to be more narrative and representational, while light art is often abstract and tied to a specific space or projection surface.

Depending on how one dates its origins, the history of light art spans at least a century. Its early development was rooted in kinetic art, Futurism, and early cinema.Depending on how its origins are dated, the history of light art spans at least a century.Depending on how one dates its origins, the history of light art spans at least a century. Its early development was rooted in kinetic art, Futurism, and early cinema.

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On this page, we gather various articles, guides, links, and other texts and materials dealing with light art and light written in English.

Websites about light art:

Bettina Pelz: Ars Photonica: https://arsphotonica.net/  

International Light Festivals Organisation: https://internationallightfestivals.org  

Light Collective: https://lightcollective.net/ 

ArtLight magazine: https://www.artlight-magazine.com/en/  

Guides:

2024 Lýsa, a network of Nordic light art curators and festivals: Artist Submission Guide for Light Festivals 

Maps:

Mia Kivinen: Light art events and festivals, mainly around Europe