For centuries, artists have creatively harnessed the interplay between paper and light. This exhibition showcases how artists have mastered the art of drawing on paper to convey light—whether through the basic modeling of form or the creation of spectacular effects. Drawings by Vija Celmins and an artist’s book by Tauba Auerbach will join sheets by Tiepolo, Delacroix, Seurat, Manet, and Carmontelle’s astonishing 12-foot-long transparency, an 18th-century precursor to motion pictures. Discover the innovative ways these artists explored themes of translucency and the representation of light in drawing.
This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.
Southern California’s landmark arts event, PST ART, returns in September 2024, presenting over 70 exhibitions from organizations across the region exploring the intersections of art and science, both past and present. PST ART is presented by Getty. For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit pst.art
SELECTED WORKS
Events
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Publication
Paper and Light: Luminous Drawings
This publication examines the central relationship between paper and light in the world of drawings in western European art from the Renaissance to the twentieth century.
Purchase this and other publications in the Getty Museum Store
VIDEO
PST x Getty x Smarthistory: An Expansion of Understanding
What did people watch before films and digital media? Join experts as they study a twelve-and-a-half-foot transparent drawing that engages viewers in an immersive experience using optical devices.
Exhibition Resources
Learn more about the exhibition.
To request a checklist of objects, please contact: drawings@getty.edu.
Information on Getty Museum works of art can be found through a
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