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Construction of Space and Light in Moholy-Nagy's Paintings

About this Project

In collaboration with the Guggenheim, we conducted an in-depth study of the materials and techniques used to create collection works by Laszlo Moholy-Nagy (American, born Hungary 1895-1946).

The Artist

An innovative and influential Bauhaus artist, Moholy-Nagy’s work spanned a wide range of media; his ideology and aesthetics are reflected in his unconventional use of industrial support materials and explorations of light and kinetics through new plastics, paintings, and photography.

The Impact

In preparation for an exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum, we conducted an extensive scientific examination of the painting materials used by László Moholy-Nagy. The artist employed modern materials, such as metals and plastics (analyzed sample shown above), alongside more traditional artists’ oil paint and canvas, creatively manipulating these diverse media to generate a unique visual vocabulary. This study highlights the intimate link between the material properties and the expressive content of Moholy-Nagy’s painted works.

Related Publications

Salvant, J., J. Barten, F. Casadio, M. Kokkori, F. Pozzi, C. Stringari, K. Sutherland, and M. Walton. 2017. "László Moholy-Nagy’s Painting Materials: From Substance to Light." Leonardo 50 (3): 316-320.

Barten, J., F. Casadio, J. Salvant, C. Stringari, K. Sutherland, and M. Walton. 2016. "A Wealth of Optical Expression: László Moholy-Nagy’s Works in the Collection of the Guggenheim Museum." Postprints of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works 43rd Annual Meeting, Miami, USA, May 13-16, 2015.

Salvant, J., M. Walton, J. Barten, C. Stringari, F. Casadio, and K. Sutherland. 2016. "Two László Moholy-Nagy Paintings on Trolit: Insights into the Condition of an Early Cellulose Nitrate plastic." E-preservation Science 13:15-22.

Barten, J., F. Casadio, J. Salvant, C. Stringari, K. Sutherland, and M. Walton. 2015. “A Wealth of Optical Expression: László Moholy-Nagy’s Works in the Collection of the Guggenheim Museum.” Postprints of Paintings Group of the American Institute of Conservation Meeting, Miami, USA, May 13-16, 2015.

Project coverage in The Conversation

Project coverage on the Guggenheim website.

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