16/05/2023
As the light is one of the main tools when we create life shows on this day, International Day of Light, we asked a lighting designer Vlad Oblasov to talk about his work and the impact of the phenomenon of light on human perception.
"I finally got my thoughts together; and to answer the question of what light is, I’ll quote the pioneer of lighting design, Richard Kelly: “True visual beauty is the interplay of three kinds of light.”.
Kelly formulated the three base principles of lighting design, which sound quite simple: washing surfaces, highlighting objects, and creating sharp detail.
The logic is that if these three layers are present, then any space will look appealing. “Ambient luminescence", is general fill light, which helps people orient themselves in space; "focal glow" is accent light, which shows detail, controls and directs attention. And "play of brilliants" is decorative light that leaves a lasting impression and sharpens emotions.
The combination of all three creates interplay that can also be interpreted as interaction and interconnection. In my mind, light is a way for us to engage with our environment. The way the lighting scene is set up shapes how a person perceives space: a room, a building, a city, and so on.
Here, the designer plays the role of an interpreter or, perhaps, a tour guide – someone who can help you have a pleasant experience walking through this world. Because creating a quality light environment is about physical and psycho-emotional health and people entering this industry must be willing to take on the responsibility.
A lighting designer is also an artist and light is an invisible tool, painting everything around us. The quality of this stroke, the movement determines what a person sees, and what emotion a person feels. It turns out that the designer is a rather unique mix of technical skill and creativity, and that requires a versatile perception of the world.
