"An effective lighting design is like a beautiful painting.
Your medium is bringing someone to an emotional state he or she would not achieve at that moment without your art.
This does not and can not happen by accident." (Glen Cunningham)
Your medium is bringing someone to an emotional state he or she would not achieve at that moment without your art.
This does not and can not happen by accident." (Glen Cunningham)
Light has a strong impact on our emotions and our state of mind. It is one of the most abstract means of stage design as it works through suggestion and association. Creating the mood with light is one of the most exciting functions of lighting and can be achieved in several ways. By manipulating the four qualities of light color, distribution, intensity and movement, the designer can exploit the psychological and emotional effects inherent in light.
First of all, the designer can create a lighting atmosphere which supports the mood of the dramatic moment. For example, bright light with no shadows is often used for comedies as it supports a happy mood. On the other side, a cool light with high angled distribution of light which creates long shadows and deep eye sockets suggests tragedy.
Furthermore the designer can inspire emotional reactions from the audience. For example, clear, warm brightness makes most people feel good but dark light makes people feel scared. Red light can transport energy and power as can be seen in the example below.
First of all, the designer can create a lighting atmosphere which supports the mood of the dramatic moment. For example, bright light with no shadows is often used for comedies as it supports a happy mood. On the other side, a cool light with high angled distribution of light which creates long shadows and deep eye sockets suggests tragedy.
Furthermore the designer can inspire emotional reactions from the audience. For example, clear, warm brightness makes most people feel good but dark light makes people feel scared. Red light can transport energy and power as can be seen in the example below.