László Moholy-Nagy: Radiant Exposure | 71C
László Moholy-Nagy, Park Scene in Front of the Medicine & Public Health-Pavilion, New York World’s Fair, 1939/40 Chromogenic print, 8 7⁄8 × 13 3⁄8 inches (22.5 × 34 cm), AP I, Edition of 10 + 2 AP. The Moholy-Nagy Estate, © Hattula Moholy-Nagy. Courtesy of 71C.
Written by Stella Paes
"Radiant Exposure" at 71C celebrates Moholy-Nagy's enduring optimism and his new vision of art as a medium for enlightenment and progress.
The exhibition "Radiant Exposure" at the 71 Contemporary Gallery presents the innovative work of László Moholy-Nagy and will be open until June 21, 2024. Moholy-Nagy, known for his fascination with light and technology, made unique contributions to modern art. Curated by Alaina Claire Feldman, this exhibition captures his exploration of radiant energy in various artistic forms. It shows how the artist used light as a medium, creating works that reflect his enduring optimism and belief in the transformative power of creativity.
Moholy-Nagy’s theoretical and practical engagement with radiant exposure is central to this exhibition. The term "radiant exposure" relates to the scientific measurement of energy and metaphorically reflects the artist’s intent to bring forth new perspectives through light. This concept underpins his early theorization of light compositions, which he envisioned as a new plastic medium akin to color in painting or tone in music. This ambitious vision is evident in the diverse array of works on display, from paintings and photographs to his pioneering photograms and reflective sculptures.
László Moholy-Nagy, Untitled (photogram), 1939–41, Photogram on gelatin silver print, 9 7⁄8 × 7 7⁄8 inches (25 × 20 cm). Courtesy Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York. Courtesy of 71C.
László Moholy-Nagy, Untitled (photogram with wine glass), 1939–41, Photogram on gelatin silver print, 9 7⁄8 × 7 7⁄8 inches (25 × 20 cm). Courtesy Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York. Courtesy of 71C.
A notable example of László Moholy-Nagy's pioneering approach to photography is his 1939 work "Spot lit portrait of a young woman." His style often involved the interplay of geometric shapes and abstract compositions, reflecting his broader interest in the principles of the Bauhaus movement. In this portrait, the intense lighting highlights the subject and creates an impressive sense of depth and mystery, exemplifying his mastery of framing and avant-garde photographic techniques. Moholy-Nagy's photograms reveal his fascination with the interplay of light and shadow, utilizing objects placed directly on photo-sensitive paper to form ethereal compositions. Another interesting piece in the exhibition is "Space Modulator Experiment" (1931-35), a layered creation that sums up his fascination with light and movement. This piece consists of transparent plastic, aluminum plate, and oil paint where holes through the materials become light leaks revealing tiers of expression all punctuated by light. The projected light creates dynamic highlights that play with the very innovative and new materials atypical for artwork at that time. “Space Modulator Experiment" exemplifies not only Moholy-Nagy's innovative use of materials but also his interest in light's sensory and perceptual effects. The interaction of light and material in this work transforms static elements into a constantly changing visual experience, embodying his vision of light as a new medium for artistic expression.
László Moholy-Nagy, Spot lit portrait of a young woman,1939 Chromogenic print, 8 7⁄8 × 13 3⁄8 inches (22.5 × 34 cm) Edition 4 of 10 + 2AP. The Moholy-Nagy Estate, © Hattula Moholy-Nagy. Curtesy of 71C.
The exhibition's selection underscores Moholy-Nagy's dedication to technological experimentation. His works with new materials such as aluminum, plastics, plexiglass, and celluloid reveal his commitment to exploring the optical effects of metallic surfaces. These materials, often sourced from the remnants of post-war residue, not only reflect the shimmering surfaces of modern architecture but also symbolize a belief in progress and reconstruction following the devastation of World War I. This duality of destruction and creation is a recurring theme in Moholy-Nagy’s oeuvre and resonates throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition 'Radiant Exposure' is a testament to the interdisciplinary nature of Moholy-Nagy’s work, skillfully presented by curator Alaina Claire Feldman. His experiments in various media—paintings, photographs, films, and sculptures—are showcased, illustrating his innovative use of light and perspective. Particularly notable are his 'Space Modulators,' which embody his interest in transparency and reflection. These works invite viewers to contemplate the interplay of light and material, drawing attention to his art's physical and perceptual dimensions, a curation that deserves our appreciation.
László Moholy-Nagy, Portrait of Juliet Kepes, 1939/40, Chromogenic print, 8 7⁄8 × 13 3⁄8 inches (22.5 × 34 cm), Edition 3 of 10 + 1 AP. The Moholy-Nagy Estate, © Hattula Moholy-Nagy. Courtesy of 71C.
As referenced by Feldman, Moholy-Nagy’s early literary work also provides insight into his lifelong engagement with technology and metaphors of communication. His 1918 poem "Like a Telegraph Wire Transmitting Strange Secrets" foreshadows his later artistic explorations, linking his poetic vision with his visual art practices. This literary connection enriches the understanding of his work, demonstrating how his theoretical musings on technology and light found expression in both his writing and his art. In this poem, Moholy-Nagy employs the telegraph wire as a potent metaphor, encapsulating the essence of modern communication and the intricate, often enigmatic nature of human interactions in the early 20th century.
László Moholy-Nagy, Auto Headlights (white, orange, and red traffic squiggles), Chicago 1939/40 Chromogenic print, 8 7⁄8 × 13 3⁄8 inches (22.5 × 34 cm), AP 1, Edition of 10 + 2AP. The Moholy-Nagy Estate, © Hattula Moholy-Nagy. Courtesy of 71C.
The exhibition "Radiant Exposure" showcases Moholy-Nagy’s artistic achievements and reflects his broader philosophical outlook. His belief in humanity's capacity to harness creativity for transformative purposes is a central theme. The works on display are not merely artistic experiments but are imbued with optimism and progress, mirroring the exhibition's title. This literal and metaphorical radiance is a testament to Moholy-Nagy’s vision of art as a medium of enlightenment and innovation. Through a carefully curated selection of works, the exhibition highlights his pioneering use of light and technology, innovative material experiments, and enduring optimism. Feldman’s curation allows us to appreciate the depth and breadth of Moholy-Nagy’s artistic vision, reaffirming his place as one of the most inventive and inspiring artists of the 20th century.
