Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting

While some museums are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Apollo’s usual weekly pick of exhibitions will include shows at institutions that are currently open as well as digital projects providing virtual access to art and culture.

Since the invention of electric lighting, designers, architects, engineers and artists have been enthralled with the possibilities that this light source presents. This display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston explores how lighting design has evolved over the last century, from elaborate electric chandeliers to the humble desk lamp. Devices designed by the likes of Ingo Maurer and Gaetano Pesce are on display, while three large-scale artistic installations have been created specifically for the exhibition (27 February–16 May). Find out more from the MFA Houston’s website. 

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Bulb Light (designed 1966), Ingo Maurer. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Photo: tomvackphotographer; © Ingo Maurer

‘Moloch’ floor lamp (1971), designed by Gaetano Pesce. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; © 1971 Gaetano Pesce

‘534’ table lamp (1951), Gino Sarfatti. Photo: Fabrice Gousset; courtesy Galerie kreol; © Gino Sarfatti

‘Mega Chandelier’ (2018), Moooi Works. © Moooi, New York