Secom lights the exhibition of work by artist Ismael Cerezo in Murcia’s historic old prison

The perfect blend of art and technology

In this project, Secom Iluminación focused primarily on designing a bespoke lighting system for the ‘Animal’ exhibition, to highlight the details and textures of each piece of artwork. A unique ambience was created using different hues of light, serving to enhance the beauty of the Murcian artist’s work.

The iconic Cárcel Vieja in Murcia, which has been converted into a successful cultural centre, was the site chosen for the exhibition. Secom’s lighting solutions lend a modern, sophisticated charm to the Flyppy exhibition, while respecting and celebrating the history and heritage of the former prison.

This collaboration between Secom Iluminación and Ismael Cerezo, in which art and technology merge seamlessly, promises to be an enriching experience for art enthusiasts and a one-off opportunity to see the work of this talented artist.

Key factors when lighting a museum or art gallery

Lighting a museum or art gallery can be a complex and highly technical process with several key factors at play. The following are some important considerations to bear in mind when faced with such a task.

• Type of exhibition: the type of artwork displayed in the museum or gallery might require specific lighting conditions. Painting and photographs, for example, might need lower lighting levels to prevent damage due to too much light exposure.
• Temperature and humidity: as well as lighting, temperature and humidity can affect artwork in a museum or gallery. Lighting can emit heat which can change ambient temperature and humidity. This is a factor to bear in mind when deciding where to install the lights.
• Colour of light: the choice of colour can have a big impact on how we perceive artwork. Warmer hues can make paintings appear more vibrant, while cooler light can make them look flat and dull.
• Light intensity: this is an important factor to consider because it can also alter the viewer’s perception of the artwork. Light that is too bright can be overpowering, but light that is too weak can make it difficult to appreciate the details of the piece.
• Angle and direction of light. Lighting must be designed to eliminate unwanted shadows, reflection and glare but also to enhance the main features and details of the artwork.
• Lighting installation design: energy efficiency, safety and ease of maintenance must be guaranteed. The latest technology, such as LED, can save energy and reduce maintenance costs.

Tackling the lighting project

Any project requires a thorough analysis of the available lighting conditions to fulfil specifications such as glare control, lighting colour requirements and colour rendering index. We also need as much information about the space as possible, including its use, users and architecture.

Over the past year, SECOM has consolidated its lighting design team to provide support to lighting professionals in every stage of the project. We work with a lighting calculation software program that is able to conduct a detailed study of a lighting system based on the characteristics of a certain area, and our technicians specialise in all types of projects and branches of business, including street lighting, sports facilities, decorative lighting and museums and galleries.

This department is formed by a team of specialists with extensive experience in lighting any type of space. Their services include consulting, studies and energy saving plans and they have helped engineers, designers and architects to start up and complete more than 900 lighting projects.

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