The importance of lighting in Art Galleries
An art gallery is one of the most visited places in cities and towns. It holds a diverse collection of alluring artworks by famous personalities and is one of those places that entices visitors with mesmerizing wonders of classic and modern art forms. Thus, authorities need to pay stern attention to all the interior designing elements of the space in order to ensure that people savor the artworks with complete attention and admiration.
Lighting is one such design element that plays a vital role in maintaining the decorum of the place. Furthermore, it is also used alongside the artworks for highlighting all the important and tiny details. Here are some of the major ways lighting is used in art galleries:
For Paintings
Paintings are the soul of any art gallery that lure all the art lovers. Since they consist of small fine details, it is essential to take proper measures when implementing a lighting setup. According to lighting experts, paintings in the art galleries should be illuminated by a single light source, preferably with a spotlight. They should be typically placed at an angle of 30 degrees as it eliminates the risk of glares and long shadows casted by the frames. For instance, art galleries can decide on Track light LED or Swivel Projector by Wipro Lighting to illuminate the paintings. They aid easy maneuverability and ensure effective thermal management using aluminum casting.
Sculptures
If paintings are the soul then sculptures are the heart of an art gallery that require a proper lighting setup. Lighting of sculptors primarily depends on the size and fragility of the sculpture. While big ones are typically illuminated from above for reducing shadows, small ones are placed on illuminated plinths. Many a times, a sculpture is lit from multiple directions as it provides art admirers the best possible view. In case a sculpture has a narrower base and a wider top, it is best to illuminate it with side lights or ambient lights. For instance, authorities can decide on LED Gimball by Wipro Lighting for illuminating the sculpture from the top. They can also use spotlights like Track light LED for highlighting small sculptures.
Why LEDs are the best choice for art galleries?
LEDs are the most efficient lighting options available in the market that have a long life and require low maintenance. However, these are not the primary associated benefits that should encourage art galleries to rely on LED luminaires. According to the top LED light manufacturers, traditional incandescent bulbs or halogens produce heat and UV emissions that can gradually damage the artworks. Since preservation is the utmost priority of all the art galleries, LED lighting fixtures serve as the best option. LED lighting solutions are known for their low-heat emission capabilities and do not produce any kind of UV emission that can harm the paintings and sculptures.
Lighting in art galleries should primarily highlight the artifacts. It should be used as an aesthetic tool that compliments and displays the work in the best way possible while allowing the work to speak for itself.