Elegant Illumination: Art Deco Lights

"Elegant Illumination" offers a novel perspective on the relationship between the art deco movement and lighting, particularly as embodied by art deco light fixtures. The transition from art nouveau to art deco is often described in terms of form, such as the move from curves to straight lines, but these aspects were heavily indebted to human progress, such as the invention of the light bulb. On display at the exhibition are 110 objects—primarily aesthetically rich light fixtures produced by René Lalique, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres, Daum, and other artists and studios, but also furnishings, vases and other items that represent the types of living settings in which such light fixtures were typically found—that suggest the visionary nature of art deco.

In the first section are pâte de verre light fixtures chosen specifically for their colors. Pâte de verre is a technique that originated in ancient Egypt and involves filling a casting mold with finely crushed glass, which is then melted and cast in a kiln. The technique was revived during the art nouveau movement and fully came into its own during the art deco movement of the 1920s. Primary attention is given to Gabriel Argy-Rousseau's light fixtures as examples of the kind of colorful works that embody the stylized elements of art deco while being based on a naturalism also found in art nouveau.

The second section focuses on the concept of "chic" and offers a reproduction of a 1920s drawing room featuring lacquer panels by French art deco luminary Jean Dunand, light fixtures that take advantage of the transparency of porcelain, and other fascinating works that combine superior design with material choices that evoke the art deco era.

The third section presents a dining room setting decorated primarily with works by Lalique, including a ceiling light being displayed in Japan for the first time and an original dinnerware set. Lalique redefined the concept of luxury through the chic, monotone light displays produced by his transparent glass fixtures. There is also one final section that serves as an epilogue, titled "Light and Speed" and focused on the concept of "radiance." On display here are objects and posters that reflect the titular themes. Rays and zigzags that we commonly associate with electricity and lightning were typical art deco motifs used to convey speed and dynamism.

The exhibition is designed to offer visitors a chance to enjoy the wit and insight of the early 20th century artists who softened the harsh brightness of light and brought it into our lives through their exceptional artistic sensibilities.