Electric Light as a Medium in the Visual Fine Arts: A Memoir

The author describes how he was led to work with kinetic electric light art objects of the Lumia type in 1954. He then discusses the problems of applying light for artistic purposes from the point of view, primarily, of his own experiences with kinetic painting systems. These include the direct transmission of light to the eye or onto a translucent screen (Lumidyne system), the production of reflected light images on a translucent screen (Reflectodyne system) and the transmission of light through polarizing materials (Polaridyne system). Technical details of the systems are given and the reactions of viewers of these kinds of art objects are briefly presented.

The author states that, although he is a reluctant prophet, he would not be surprised if a wide acceptance of kinetic art with electric light must await the passage of several more decades.