September/October 2023
Top five
LIGHT READING Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton of Light Collective, this year's winner of the SLL President's Medal, select their five most inspiring books s the world becomes ever more digital, there is still a place in our heart for books. As almost every bit of information needed is available online, it feels as if books are losing the once hallowed place they held for humans. Our lives are noisy and filled with distraction but the act of holding a book in your hands and devoting time to understanding what the author wanted you to take away from the experience is unparalleled. It's a stepping away from the world and a chance to immerse yourself in one specific topic, an opportunity to expose yourself to new information or concepts. Where light is concerned, it is a space to enjoy the topic we are all passionate about or pour over beautiful images that will inspire our work. Go offline. Put your phone on silent. Sit somewhere quiet. Don't cheat with a podcast. Open a book. Here are five to get you started:
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3 In Praise of Shadows The Bladerunner of books, this classic by Junichuro Tanizaki would probably make everyone's Top 5. Interestingly, it's not a book specifically about light but an essay on aesthetics, the effect of change from candles to electric light. Tanizaki uses comparisons of light with darkness to contrast Western and Asian culture. Written in 1933, it explores architecture, food and even toilets but is exceptionally poetic when describing light. The book inspired the House of Light, an art installation in Japan by James Turrell.
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1 You Say Light – I think Shadow Collected and visualised by light artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic and graphic designer Sandra Praun, 109 perspectives on light live within the pages of this book. The duo asked the question: what is light? to an international mix of creative people (Light Collective was lucky to be included) who share their thoughts, visions, memories or sometimes succinct answers within the book. The result is both poetic and personal and also fun to look at.
4 The Architecture of Natural Light Henry Plummer is the man when it comes writing about architecture and natural light. Though mostly out of print, if you can, get your hands on anything he has written as his poetic books about light are the result of a career devoted to researching the topic and never fail to inspire. With stunning photographs and thoughtful critiques, this book is an evocative showcase of how daylight and architecture intersect, split into seven beautifully named sections; evanescence, procession, veils of glass, atomisation, canalisation, atmospheric silence and luminescence.
2 The Darkness Manifesto This powerful book is a call for change and should be read by everybody. Written by Swedish scientist and bat expert Johan Eklof, the book passionately urges us to cherish natural darkness for the sake of the environment, our own wellbeing, and all life on earth. It lays out all the arguments for change in a poetic and philosophical way. It also offers a series of simple steps that can be implemented to benefit both humans and the planet, and is therefore ultimately encouraging.
5 Collected Light: Women Light Artists Sorry – it had to be done. In 2022, Light Collective decided to embark on the creation of a book with no funding, no editor and no experience. The result is not too shoddy. It's a hefty and colourful volume showcasing more than 40 women artists who work with light. Our hope is that by profiling these women artists, we are opening a door for others to do the same and for all to be celebrated and widely known for what they create.
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