LED DMX Technology

The term LED DMX technology refers to the use of DMX512 controllers to manipulate light-emitting diodes .

A DMX controller uses EIA-485 differential signaling at its physical layer in order to adjust the amount of photons, in addition to the amount of light, released by an LED.

LED DMX technology is most common in the performing arts such as theater and dance, where the lighting is usually combined with other special effects such as a fog machine or strobe lights.

A particular LED is assigned an identification number such as “12," and by sending particular electrical signals to the identification number, LED DMX technology can adjust the brightness, color and other characteristics of the diode. For example, by programming the command “12-40%," a DMX controller could reduce the brightness of a light-emitting diode to 40 percent of the maximum output.

LED DMX technology has become increasingly popular because of the DMX512 cable’s sturdy, robust construction that protects it from damage that is easily sustained by other high-speed transmission cables.

Wireless DMX transmissions to control LEDs, in particular, are often installed in architectural lighting networks because they are reliable even up to distances of 2,000 feet .

Modern LED DMX controllers also utilize frequency hopping spread-spectrum technology together with cognitive coexistence to minimize interference with other wireless networks.

LED Throwies

A light emitting diode throwie is a small device that is often used in various forms of street art.

LED throwies are typically constructed of a colored LED, a battery, and a small rare earth magnet.

The simplest and most inexpensive type of LED throwie can be constructed simply by connecting an LED to a battery and then taping both to a rare earth magnet. This is usually achieved with electrical tape, though using an epoxy adhesive may result in better weather resistance.

The components used to construct basic LED throwies are typically inexpensive, potentially allowing a guerrilla artist to assemble a large number of them without a heavy financial investment.

Alterations to the basic design that add additional functionality may raise the cost of the throwies, and also increasing the time required to create them. In addition to being inexpensive and easily constructed, LED throwies can also be considered a type of non-destructive graffiti.

Many guerrilla artists and technology enthusiasts may choose to simply toss large numbers of LED throwies at the ferromagnetic surfaces of public structures. This can result in a bright, multi-colored type of light art that may be visually appealing in the dark.

Light Box

Art supply stores sell a variety of light boxes, and it is also relatively easy to make a light box at home, for people who need to craft a custom version.

Another term for a light box is a light table .

Usually, a light box is distinguished from a light table because it is much more portable and it lacks legs.

In some cases, a light box can be very large, making it technically difficult to move, while in other instances a light box may be designed around a lightweight briefcase or tablet so that it can easily be ported from place to place.

A light box tends to be substantially less expensive than a light table, since it does not have a complex framework of legs.

The term “light box” is also used by photographers to refer to a small, custom built box for photographing objects under controlled lighting conditions.

Different backdrops can be used in a light box for specific effects, and the lighting can be altered for varying looks.

Abstract Art

Abstract art is an art form based on non-realistic portrayals, rather than visually accurate depictions of objects or scenes.

Popularized in the 20th century, abstract art has become iconic, including the works of such renowned artists as Jackson Pollock and Piet Mondrian.

Interestingly, abstract art as a valid form seemed to spring up simultaneously around the Western world in the first decades of the 20th century, leading to considerable debate regarding who was the first truly abstract artist.

Abstract art is a controversial form, particularly to those rooted in a concept of art as a faithful depiction of scenes or objects.

A far cry from the portraits of Hans Holbein or the incredibly detailed still life scenes of the 17th and 18th centuries, abstract art often shows no fixed or identifiable object. This can lead to serious criticism among some, exasperated in the idea that they should be able to find beauty or an emotional response in something unrecognizable. Yet abstract work can be strangely freeing, according to some experts.

If you enjoy art and wish to broaden your experience with modern work, contact your local modern art museum to see if they have any examples of abstract artworks for you to view.

By opening yourself to the experience of this unusual and highly individualized sector of the art world, you may discover a passion and appreciation for abstract art that will broaden your artistic horizons forever.

Urban Art

The term urban art refers to a wide variety of art forms that are grouped together because they are created in city areas, depict city life, or make a statement about urban issues.

Urban art began as graffiti, which was the spray-painting of the sides of buildings, bridges, and other structures and was considered by many to be vandalism .

From its humble, controversial, and often illegal beginnings, urban art has grown into an art form that uses a wide variety of media and ranges from simple graffiti to publicly commissioned large-scale murals and sculptures.

Urban artists began by spray-painting words, symbols, and images to make public statements, artistic expressions, or, in the case of gangs, claim territory.

Many well-known urban artists have branched into more legitimate artistic endeavors to cash in on their success, like creating paintings on more traditional canvas media or creating sculptures that can be sold.

Many street artists have responded to the negative reputation of urban art as vandalism by using less permanent or temporary materials to create urban art.

Some cities are commissioning urban artists to create large-scale community murals on the blank sides of buildings or sculptural installations for use as a focal point and to celebrate city history and heritage.

Different Types of Fine Art Lights

In decorative accent lighting, the lights themselves are custom light fixtures designed to lend to a designed look in a room.

Custom fine art lights for decorating can usually be classified by the type of lighting and the type of fixture design.

Lighting technology in these fine art lights varies depending on the setting and purpose, but it can include compact fluorescent lighting, incandescent lighting, and LED lighting .

Custom fine art lights are often used to put out light that is neutral, cool, or warm to give a room the intended lighting feel.

Lights used for lighting fine art and pictures can be adjustable track lighting or recessed floodlights mounted above or below the picture, or they can be specially designed light fixtures affixed to the frame of the work of art.

Fine art lights illuminating work in a gallery are made using lighting technology that is the least likely to damage the work on display.

Any heat or ultraviolet radiation that emanates from the lighting can damage the art. This type of lighting can also be used to light framed family photos and heirloom artwork in private homes.

Light Art

Light art is art that is created partially or entirely with one or more light sources.

None of these forms of light art require any electricity, which makes them distinct from more modern light art.

Modern art using light generally uses some form of light bulb or diode to create an effect or image.

A popular form of light art is laser lighting. This form of light art uses lasers, projected at different angles, to produce shapes and images.

A related form of light art is light projection, in which the artist uses a projector to magnify a changing, real-time image and put it on a large surface such as a building wall.

Another type of art using light is light painting . This is a photography technique that uses long exposure to create and capture streams of light on film.

Neon store lights are an example of this kind of display art, as art light sculptures.