Lux Pinxit

This article explores the life and work of Thomas Wilfred, who sought to define a new art form, lumia, using light as the sole medium of expression. Wilfred, born Richard Edgar Løvstrøm in Denmark, began his experiments with projected light in the early twentieth century. Wilfred aimed to distinguish his work from its early association with color music by rejecting the direct correlation between color and sound, aiming instead to create a silent, visual art form. His invention, the Clavilux, allowed for the real-time performance of light compositions, which he referred to as “painting with light.” Throughout his career, Wilfred advocated for the recognition of lumia as a fine art, distinct from both music and film, emphasizing its performative and ephemeral qualities. The article also addresses Wilfred’s struggle for recognition within the broader art community and his efforts to position lumia as a legitimate visual art form. By tracing Wilfred’s journey and his contributions to the development of light art, the study explores how his writings on lumia may inform the history of light art.