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@ Mafu Fuma
2025-05-27 19:59:24Definition and Basic Principle
Light painting is a photographic technique in which light sources are moved or purposefully used during a long exposure to create images, patterns, or lettering in space. The light source can appear visibly in the image (light drawing), be used to illuminate the subject (light painting), or the camera itself can be moved (kinetic light painting).
History
The history of light painting ranges from scientific experiments in the 19th century, through the artistic avant-garde of the 1930s, to the diverse, technically sophisticated forms of expression seen today. The sources span from early photographers and scientists like Marey, Demeny, and the Gilbreths, to artists such as Man Ray and Picasso, and on to contemporary light painters experimenting with new light sources and techniques.
Early Scientific Applications (1889–1914)
Étienne-Jules Marey and Georges Demeny (1889):
The earliest documented light paintings originated from scientific motion studies. *Demeny *attached light bulbs to the joints of an assistant and photographed their movements with long exposure. This image (Pathological Walk From in Front) is considered the earliest known example of lightpainting.
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (1914):
The couple used small lights and open shutters to analyze workflows in industry. Their goal was not art, but the optimization of work processes. Nevertheless, some of the first light painting photographs were created this way.
Artistic Light Painting (from the 1930s)
Man Ray (1935):
The American artist Man Ray is considered the first to use light painting as an artistic means of expression. In his Space Writing series, he wrote his name in the air with a small light pen, creating abstract light trails that were only recognized as his signature in 2009.
Barbara Morgan (1935–1941):
She experimented with light drawings, especially in dance photography, by equipping dancers with lights and capturing their movements.
Famous Light Painters and Innovations (1940s–1970s)
Gjon Mili & Pablo Picasso (1949):
Gjon Mili showed Picasso photographs of figure skaters with lights attached to their skates. Picasso was fascinated and, using a flashlight in a darkened room, created his famous "light drawings," including the well-known Picasso draws a Centaur.
Peter Keetman (1949):
The German photographer developed complex light patterns using point light sources on pendulums, shaping experimental photography in post-war Germany.
Modern Developments and Artists (1970s–Today)
Starting in the 1970s, lightpainting expanded beyond experimental and portrait photography into more diverse and expressive artistic realms. Swiss photographer Jacques Pugin was a pioneer in using lightpainting in natural landscapes, employing candlelight and subtle illumination to reveal hidden shapes and textures. His work often bridges the tangible with the ephemeral, evoking a sense of time and memory in the environment.
From the late 20th century onwards, advances in camera technology—such as more sensitive film and later digital sensors—made long-exposure photography more accessible and versatile. This technological progress allowed artists to experiment with new light sources like LED lights, fiber optics, and even programmable light tools, vastly expanding the creative possibilities.
Lightpainting also intersected with other art forms, such as performance art and installation. Artists began incorporating movement, music, and interactive elements, transforming lightpainting into immersive experiences.
The history of light painting reveals an impressive evolution from scientific studies of human movement to a creative form of artistic expression. By combining technology, creativity, and light, works are created that push the boundaries of photography and captivate the viewer.
Author: Mafu Fuma
Sources: Wikipedia
Picture: Frank Gilbreth