Light up Your Life with “Electrifying Design”
Experience the enlightening exhibition Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting in person at the MFAH before closing day on May 16, and immerse yourself virtually from home.
The Curatorial Process: Creating Moments of Pure, Alchemic Wonder
A few words from Cindi Strauss, MFAH curator of decorative arts, craft, and design, who co-curated the exhibition with Sarah Schleuning, curator of decorative arts and design at the Dallas Museum of Art: “Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting brings together over 85 examples of innovative lighting devices from the 1920s to today. Rather than organizing the exhibition chronologically, co-curator Sarah Schleuning and I decided to focus on ideas and groupings that highlight what makes lighting a significant and early indicator of shifts in aesthetics, technology, and material usage. Each section—Typologies, The Bulb, and Quality of Light—has moments of pure, alchemic wonder as well as works that frame our understanding of the field.”
Light up Your Home
Shop designer lights in the MFA Shop online, where you’ll also find the illustrated exhibition catalogue and specially curated, art-inspired gift items.
Make Your Own Works of Art
Try your hand at these light-inspired art-making activities for the whole family with step-by-step activity guides and how-to videos.
Exploring Light and Making Reflective Installations
• Activity Guide
Exploring Function and Making a Working Lamp
• Activity Guide
► Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting is on view in the Law Building through May 16. Included with general admission. Advance timed tickets recommended.
“Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting” is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
Major support is provided by:
Cecily E. Horton
Additional generous funding is provided by:
Sara and Bill Morgan, in honor of Cindi Strauss
Michael W. Dale Exhibitions Endowment for Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Kim and Al Eiber
Danish Arts Foundation
LIGHT
Anne Breux Interior Architecture
Carolyn Covault
Courtnay and Mark Elias
Joan Morgenstern
Dr. Sara Sant’Ambrogio
Installation view of Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting
Martine Bedin, manufactured by Memphis Milano, Super Lamp, designed c. 1978, made c. 1980s, fiberglass, enamel, steel, rubber, and 40-watt incandescent bulbs, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Museum purchase funded by the Design Council, 2020. © 1978 Martine Bedin
Exhibition Catalogue Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting
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