LIGHT IN THE WORKS OF GIACOMO BALLA IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF LIGHT ART GENESIS

Abstract

The article is devoted tо the specific question in Russian art history – to the problem of light in the works of J. Balla from the perspective of Light art genesis. The insufficiently researched genesis of light art .in Modernism and Italian Futurism is followed by the incomplete understanding of phenomenon. This circumstance requires an appeal to the historical roots of Light art, particularly, to the period when artists started including artificial light into the practice of fine art and started using it as a medium. As a result of the research in the art of J. Balla the genesis of Light art has been revealed. The article examines the consistent change in the approach to light in the main futuristic manifestos and works of art. In Balla’s paintings of the 1910s, light was used as an image and element of art, while in plastic complexes and scenography of the theatrical production “Fireworks” it was used as a material (medium). The ballet “Fireworks” is proposed to be considered as prototypical work of light art. The results of the study can be used in the art historical research and cultural analysis of the history and modernity of light art. The research methodology is based on the art historical analysis of texts and works of art, as well as on the comparative method.

Keywords

• italian futurism
• plastic complexes
• manifestos of italian futurism
• light as medium
• early technological art
• light art