The works of artist Olafur Eliasson explore the relevance of art in the world at large. Born in 1967, Eliasson grew up in Iceland and Denmark, where he studied from 1989 to 1995 at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. In 1995, he moved to Berlin and founded Studio Olafur Eliasson, which today comprises a large team of craftsmen, architects, archivists, researchers, administrators, cooks, programmers, art historians, and specialised technicians. Eliasson lives and works in Copenhagen and Berlin. courtesy of https://olafureliasson.net/
When Olafur Elisasson was born in 1967, Mel and Dorothy Tanner, the founders of Lumonics, had already begun to work with light, beginning with geometric shapes such as cubes and columns.
“I see the artist as a participant, a co-producer of reality.”
Colour experiment no. 113, 2021 Studio Olafur Eliasson, Berlin Photo: Jens Ziehe
“My goal is to formulate a new color theory based on the full spectrum of visible light.”
Rhombic kaleidoscope 2010/2022, 2010/2022 Studio Olafur Eliasson, Berlin Photo: Jens Ziehe
Over the years, in making art, I have constantly explored issues dealing with space, time, light, and society. I am particularly interested in how the light of a space determines how we see that space and similarly, in how light and color are actually phenomena within us, within our own eyes.
Missing Left Brain, 2022 Photo: Jens Ziehe “The Missing Left Brain unfurls before the viewer as a constantly changing lightshow of shapes, colours, and shadows, created through the reflection and refraction of light. The symmetrical sequence develops and vanishes in a slow continuum upon a circular screen that seems to hover in the space.”
“Light has an evident, functional and aesthetic impact on our lives.”
Tomorrow flare, 2021 Studio Olafur Eliasson Photo: Jens Ziehe
“The viewer brings something individual to the experience of any artwork. I always try to make work that activates the viewer to be a co-producer of our shared reality.”
Atmospheric wave wall, 2020 Willis Tower, Chicago Photo: Darris Lee Harris
IAM Lab is part of the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. It brings together brain scientists and practitioners in architecture, music and art in a global effort to amplify human potential. It is building the field of neuroaesthetics, an emerging field of study that explores the impact of the arts, architecture and music on the human brain and behavior.
The psychology of aesthetics involves the “study of our interactions with artworks; our reactions to paintings, literature, poetry, music, movies, and performances; our experiences of beauty and ugliness, our preferences and dislikes; and our everyday perceptions of things in our world—of natural and built environments, design objects, consumer products, and of course, people.”
“When we use the term ‘the arts and aesthetic experiences,’ we acknowledge the full spectrum of sensory, perceptual, or expressive experiences, including Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Dance & Movement, Media Arts, Traditional Handcrafts, Architecture & Design, Natural Environments, and Cultural Experiences.”
Neuroarts
Neuroarts is a complementary term developed as part of The NeuroArts Blueprint, a groundbreaking initiative led by the IAM Lab and the Aspen Institute’s Health, Medicine and Society Program. Neuroarts is a simpler, more direct way to discuss with diverse audiences how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain and body.
Neuroarts is the transdisciplinary study of how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the body, brain, and behavior and how this knowledge is translated into specific practices that advance health and wellbeing.
“Scientific studies increasingly confirm what human beings across cultures and throughout time have long recognized: we are wired for art. The arts in all of their modalities can improve our physical and mental health, amplify our ability to prevent, manage, or recover from disease challenges, enhance brain development in children, build more equitable communities, and foster well-being through multiple biological systems.”
“Research shows the arts and our environment have the power to shape our biology. We now know that music lowers blood pressure, pain, and anxiety and improves mood, memory, learning, and focus. Aesthetic experiences like spending time in nature have similar restorative effects, reducing stress levels, boosting mood and relieving anxiety. Beholding art also increases self-reflection, and studies indicate that theater experiences foster perspective-taking and empathy.”
“Because the brain is agile, exposure to arts of all kinds fosters interconnectivity across a vast and complex network populated by hundreds of billions of neurons, influencing how we process and perceive creative experiences. The brain systems that engage with reward, motor activity, perception, and the senses are stimulated by art in ways unmatched by anything else.”
The Evidence for Arts as Medicine
Science reveals that art can work hand in hand with traditional medicine to improve mobility, memory, and speech; relieve pain and the after-effects of trauma; enhance mental health and learning outcomes; build resilience; and prevent disease. Arts interventions can lower the burden and cost of chronic and degenerative diseases, mental health challenges, addiction, and trauma.
The World Health Organization “finds evidence of the contribution of the arts to the promotion of good health and the prevention of a range of mental and physical health conditions, as well as the treatment or management of acute and chronic conditions arising across the life-course.”
“There is much more to learn so that we can develop and build on the science with rigor, including the best ways to deliver art, the optimal dose and duration of the therapy, and how to tailor it to individual experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The field is at an inflection point, offering the hope of tackling some of society’s most intractable problems. Whether through dance, song, writing, or painting, approached either as maker or beholder, health and well-being is enhanced by expressions of self, experience, imagination, and creativity. Neuroarts helps us harness and mobilize these powerful biological forces and realize the promise of art.”
Front cover of Lumonics: The Light Art of Dorothy & Mel Tanner
The latest addition of Lumonics: The Light Art of Mel and Dorothy Tanner is now available. The two newest pages include photos and description of the opening exhibit in The Galleri at Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergent Station, and the exhibit at Understudy Gallery in the Denver Theatre District.
The self-published Lumonics book is a chronicle of the Tanners’ art journey and the evolution of their art form, Lumonics. It covers more than 70 years from when the Tanners met as students at the Brooklyn Museum School of Art to the present. It includes more than 125 color photos of the art works from the 1950s to today, organized by decade, including gallery, museum, and art center exhibits.
The book is $20 + $2.75 shipping U.S. The order form is at the bottom of the blog, and there is also an order form on the webpage.
Here are photos of the two new pages, reduced in size:
page of book
page of book
“I’ve got my copy and love it! This is glossy quality paper featuring gorgeous photos of brilliant works and their history.” -Eli Austin
“Bravo, Lumonics team! Beautiful manifestations of wonder & joy that make Art all that we imagine it can be!” – Todd Siler
“It’s a wonderful compilation of so many great things that Lumonics has accomplished!” – Tim Vacca
“The pictures are high quality, the book well done, and it provides a great selection of the Tanners’ lightworks.” – Dorothy Kamm
“If you love the unique and beautiful Light Art of Dorothy and Mel Tanner, you will really enjoy this jewel of a book. With more than 126 colorful images, it provides an exceptional introduction to the Tanner’s extensive bodies of work. I was delighted by the inclusion of so many pieces that I had not seen before. Friends who were previously unfamiliar with Lumonics artwork have appreciated this book as well!” – Roxann Souci
“It’s so wonderful! Thank you for making this special book.” – Kate Perdoni
We are excited about the partnership between Lumonics and the Denver-based, national organization, The Phoenix. Its mission is “to build a sober active community that fuels resilience and harnesses the transformational power of connection so that together we rise, recover, and live.” Since The Phoenix was founded in 2006 by Scott Strode, it now has 131,000 members, and over 1400 are in Denver.
Lumonics was founded by the late artists and visionaries, Dorothy and Mel Tanner. It is among the first and longest-running light art studios in the U.S. The multi-sensory performances began in 1970, and have been presented to students of all ages including those with special needs, and many organizations. Mel died in 1993 and Dorothy died in 2020, two years after she received the Denver Mayor’s Award for Innovation in the Arts at the age of 95. The history of the Tanners and Lumonics can be found on Wikipedia.
Front section of Lumonics with the furniture removed
The mission of The Phoenix fits in very well with our intention to present sober events such as Lumonics Immersed, a multi-sensory experience to refresh and energize your body, mind, and spirit. Each performance is orchestrated live and is one-of-a-kind. Denver Westword described Immersed: “an audiovisual mantra meant to soothe the mind and expand awareness, this drug-free trip through Lumonics is unforgettable.” The experience can give you that elated feeling you are familiar with from activities like running, yoga, dance, and meditation.
Errin Nicole, Phoenix Volunteer at the Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery
We also hope to host dance gatherings, light art classes, and fund-raisers as our relationship evolves. Music Director of the Phoenix, Vince Huseman, has been a wonderful mentor.
Lumonics is an absolutely beautiful immersion of love, original music, and mind bending light and visual art; that blends over 50 years of psychedelia inspired artistic audiovisual mastery with a passion for paving a sober haven. I am absolutely in love with this project and the kind souls who run the show, and will always keep coming back to support and indulge in the immersive experience, and the creative unparalleled creative spirits who keep this vision fresh and ever-growing! Thank you for providing a mind-bending experience that encourages sobriety, there is nothing else like it! 🤯 Come, you will not be disappointed with the work of the pioneers of abstract light art and audiovisual mastery. 🙂 Connor H.
This is one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in a very long time. I’ve been clean and sober for a few years, and this was one of the funnest things I’ve done in sobriety. I went with my son (who is recently clean) and we both had a blast! We also both agreed that one doesn’t need the enhancement of anything to enjoy the wonder of the show. I felt it was very special to learn the history of how everything started, and the people who pulled it all together. It’s awesome to have met the staff as well. The only other thing I would have added, was to get up and dance a few times. We will be returning and bringing new people with us to enjoy the experience with. Thank you Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery for making my life a little better for having had the opportunity to experience the gallery and show. Marquette S.
Art and Well-Being
The relationship between art and wellness has been important to Lumonics since its inception.
Shanna Shelby, the Program Administrator at the McNichols Civic Center Building in Denver, nominated Dorothy Tanner for the Denver Mayor’s Award for Innovation in the Arts in 2018. Ms. Shelby wrote about the increasing awareness of how art and mental health are connected: “Several panels at the national AFTA (Americans for the Arts) conference this year explored artistic approaches to community health. I believe that Dorothy’s vision is a prime example of how arts and wellness intersect and promote public health goals. “
“Through the years people have commonly reported having profound spiritual and emotional experiences while contemplating the Lumonics art pieces. It is possible that Lumonics is exerting its effect by creating an immersive experience that feels safe and soothing, but also stimulating and expansive.” Jomar P. Suarez, MD Therapeutic Potential of Lumonics
Let There Be Light: Lumonics Immersed is a Healing Experience by Emily Ferguson, Cultural Editor, Denver Westword “What’s really kept us going is that it’s not just doing art; it’s combining the light and the art that we do and music to bring people to a better, healing place.”
“When perceiving an artwork in-person, the brain is ‘lit up, by something akin to beams from a lamp’…seeing or making art can play a crucial role in healing our bodies and minds.” excerpted from the Lumonics blog about the book, Art That Heals
“Scientific studies increasingly confirm what human beings across cultures and throughout time have long recognized: we are wired for art. The arts in all of their modalities can improve our physical and mental health, amplify our ability to prevent, manage, or recover from disease challenges, enhance brain development in children, build more equitable communities, and foster well-being. The World Health Organization ‘finds evidence of the contribution of the arts to the promotion of good health and the prevention of a range of mental and physical health conditions, as well as the treatment or management of acute and chronic conditions arising across the life-course.’” The International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab)
We look forward to our partnership continuing to grow and be a positive influence on the Phoenix community members.
