“The Japanese Art Galleries,” housed within the Roger L. and Pamela Weston Wing, was one of the first galleries within the Art Institute of Chicago to receive new LED-lighting. This LED-only design reduced maintenance for the exhibit, while increasing the museum’s ability to control the exposure and vibrancy. Morlights’ work focused on the “Inrō Cases” and “Ando Gallery,” two exceptional exhibits that necessitated sensitive, delicate lighting for their detailed artifacts.
The “Inrō Cases” are exquisitely detailed and exceptionally vibrant decorative lacquer cases, worn by men to hold objects since traditional robes did not contain pockets. We enhanced these highly decorated accessories using spotlights and wall washers to highlight the craftsmanship without washing out the small details. As the exhibit moves into the “Ando Gallery,” eponymous for its celebrated and world-renowned designer Tadao Ando, sixteen solemn pillars create an aesthetic passageway into the main area. Inside the “Ando Gallery,” paper and fabric screens rest behind glass cases. Our lighting design protected the delicate screens from UV rays, while also revealing their vibrant, detailed design. LED pinspots situated at the base further refine the display, representing the candles that were traditionally used to light the screens from below.
