“Light Display Machines: Two Works by László Moholy-Nagy” at Busch-Reisinger Museum
THROUGH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Though created by progressive Hungarian artist László Moholy-Nagy in 1930, the kinetic sculpture Light Prop for an Electric Stage looks like something out of the future. More commonly known as the Light-Space Modulator, the piece has been part of the permanent collection at Harvard's Busch-Reisinger Museum (32 Quincy Street, Cambridge, 617.495.9400) since 1956. But the moving parts of the original no longer do justice to Moholy-Nagy's artistic intentions, so the museum has acquired a full-size replica, produced in 2006, which is being showcased as part of the exhibit "Light Display Machines: Two Works by László Moholy-Nagy." Even better, the Modulator has been installed in a darkened gallery so everyone can experience the shadow, reflection, and light effects created by its moving pieces. Also featured is an experimental film titled Light Play: Black White Gray that the artist produced from images created by the machine. General admission, which includes entrance to Harvard's three art museums, is $9.
