Barbara Balestreri Harmonious contrasts and Barry Lyndon
1 | Arnaldo Pomodoro, Carapace, cantina della Tenuta Castelbuono in Umbria
2 | Allestimento per Elle Decor al Fuorisalone 2017
3 | D & G showroom, Aoyama
White light, seldom blue: a well-defined design choice. We always try to alternate different lightings, in order to create harmonic contrasts that can narrate spaces and their contents, but also enrich visitors experience. Warm and cold lights can dialogue, as well as diffused or accent lighting can help focus one’ s gaze or stimulate emotional responses. Contrast is never a stylistic choice for its own sake; it is a way to convey a message. Take as an example the Fuorisalone 2017 Elle Decor exhibition, made in collaboration with FLOS: we wanted to tell how the technical and emotional aspects of light, albeit being often dealt with separately, are two complementary components. Thanks to some sensors, visitors of one of our rooms activated a change in lighting, from white to blue, all reflected almost endlessly in a kaleidoscope of mirrors. The installation referred to the use of new technologies as a starting point to suggest different emotions. Blue light is a symbol of quietness and tranquillity; it gives a sense of relaxation and balance. White, on the other hand, generates energy; it awakens senses and prepares for action.
Among your works, many exhibitions and museums. Each time a different challenge; each time a different artist to interpret and enhance with light. A continuous putting yourself to the test. To date, the office works on multiple fronts, ranging from retail to museum. In this context we recently lit, in cooperation with Mondo Mostre Skira, Manet e la Parigi moderna and Hokusai, Hiroshige e Utamaro exhibitions at Palazzo Reale in Milan. Each project, more than a challenge, is an opportunity to confront us with authors and curators and with the artists, such as Arnaldo Pomodoro. Every space needs an ad hoc lighting. For this reason, we do not only study works and art history, but we confront ourselves with the architects for the choice of materials and colours, and we talk to curators in order to highlight the exhibition messages. More than a challenge, each new museum or exhibition in which we are involved is an opportunity for discussion and enrichment, but also for research and development. In our Milan office we have a workshop where we can make mock-ups and find answers to our practical needs.
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Photo © Curiosity
LIGHTING DESIGNERS / LUCE 320 49