So, today, I have been giving some consideration to chiaroscuro. The literal translation of chiaroscuro is light, dark.

I decide to examine whether chiaroscuro is as relevant in current times as it was with the old masters.

Purists might decide that this classical term has no place in modern media, especially cinematography, photography, theatre or heaven help us, interior or architectural design, additionally these applications may be complicated  by the traditional separation of the background, from the object that is the intended subject of chiaroscuro.

However, I propose that the term be allowed to be broadened and brought into the twenty first century, and what a beautiful word it is, it has to be THE word of the day.
Rolling off the tongue 'Ch - ia - ro- scuro'  is an evocative word, bringing to mind works by the old Dutch Masters, their art and painting skills, using light from unseen sources, throwing into centre stage unsuspecting shady figures, often telling a twilight story.

I have a few favourites on my list of artists who commanded the art of chiaroscuro, Rembrandt is, with his 'Flayed Ox' and 'Money Changers'  my particular favourite. For me, his very best is his 'Storm on the lake of Galilee (below).'

Wiki Commons

It is virtually impossible for me to look at this picture without feeling I am experiencing the tremendous power of the sea that Rembrandt  has superbly thrown in to relief by exquisite use of light focused upon the waves. Light from an unseen source. Within the framework of  the subject Rembrandt has created a crucifix of almost ominous darkness as the mast and at ninety degree odds is the relative calm of the serene traveller in the shadowy depths of the vessel.

This is an iconic example of chiaroscuro at its very best.

But what about modern times? Well, if I look to observe my surroundings I can see that design has incorporated chiaroscuro into pretty much everything. More obvious areas are the arts and theatre, where stage and film set lighting is always and deliberately used to dramatic effect.
More unlikely are often unexpected sources, one, for example, might be the band Queen and how they used chiaroscuro to great effect in the dramatic opening of their video to the song 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

The least likely place where an acknowledgement of chiaroscuro might be being used is in the lighting of buildings, both the exteriors and interiors. Hotels often use dramatic lighting to create atmospheric light and dark areas, especially around the reception foyer.
I once visited  a friend's beautiful kitchen in which the lighting was very dramatic, creating pools of light on the work surfaces and preparation areas whilst casting the lesser used areas into shadow.
Our local church is beautifully spot lit at night from un-seen light sources in the ground, the spot lights pick out highlights of the architecture whilst thrusting unlit areas into deep, deep, mysterious, sometimes scary shadows.
A spa I enjoy going to occasionally, not only bathes the participants in warm mineral water but also in pools of soft and yet dramatic lighting.
We even create chiaroscuro when we light candles in our own homes as a centre piece on our dining tables.
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As an artistic discipline, chiaroscuro ought to remain firmly in the hands and on the canvasses of the masters who create those great works of art. As an admirer of all things as potential art forms, it is difficult to distinguish between the canvas that the painter uses and the metaphorical canvas created by my table lamp and fruit bowl, which is basking in the lamp light and casting dark shadows, right beside me as I write.


http://janeyhood.hubpages.com/hub/Chiaroscuro