With the different light colours we got to know, one can achieve very different effects in a room. Some artists use the different light colours to create their works of art. Since light needs to be involved in order play with light colours, the window of a room often acts as a starting point for artistic considerations. A famous example of such a window is the south transept window of Cologne Cathedral, better known as the „Richter-Fenster“, which was designed by the Cologne artist Gerhard Richter and inaugurated in 2007.
Task 1: Formulate a spontaneous first impression. What does the window look like to you? What do you feel reminded of? What emotion does the window evoke in you?
Task 2: Now remember your knowledge about light colours and answer the following question: Why do we observe differently coloured light squares on the wall behind the window when white sunlight passes the window?
Task 3: How would you describe the effect of the window on the room? Feel free to watch the following video.
Cardinal Meisner, archbishop of cologne during the building of the artwork highly disliked the window. It would „rather fit into a mosque or another house of prayer“ than into the Gothic cathedral, Meisner raged after the dedication. „If we get a new window, it should clearly reflect our faith. And not just any faith.“
Task 4: Discuss this statement in your group. How do you feel about the window? Take notes in your portfolio.
We notice: The lighting of a place can change its effect very much. Coloured glass ornaments can strongly influence the lighting. Here is another example:
Aufgabe 5: What is the difference between the „Richter-Fenster“ and the „LichtHaus“ in terms of the light source? Write down ideas in bullet points.
Now it’s time to use the knowledge you have acquired to bathe a room in coloured light yourselves. More about this on the next page:
Lights on! 