Before the invention of artificial light, many artists could only work during the day. When inspiration struck in the dead of night, they were forced to wait until sunrise to begin working. When artificial light became the norm, artists could finally work at night by the light of gas or electric lights. Today, with modern-day museums' harsh, bright lights illuminating the works of artists, the colors and perspective are often lost, as well as the context of the time period in which the artists were working. It was one of the most disappointing things in my life.
Fluorescent light makes the image flat, and only gives the eye a few distinct colors to work with.
It's like listening to a radio station that's not quite tuned in. While viewing Gaugin's Chair by van Gogh, the light changes every 30 seconds to simulate daylight, candlelight and a gas and an electric lamp, said Louise Lippincott, another curator of the show. It's been wonderful as curators to see people see the light. It's very rewarding. McGuire was commissioned to create a light fixture that simulates the different kinds of light artists may have worked by while creating their masterpieces.