Glitter: The Democratization of Light in Art
A cold Saturday afternoon in downtown San Francisco sets the scene for an unexpected encounter with glitter. Amidst a sea of Christmas decorations, a hanging ornament in the shape of the Trevi Fountain catches the eye. Drenched in glitter, it sparkles under the shop lights, promising a brighter future and a better life. Glitter, often associated with frivolity and marginalized identities, has a rich history in American culture.
The origins of glitter can be traced back to the late 1930s when Henry Ruschmann, a German immigrant, invented a machine that produced small, glossy cellulose scraps as waste. Today, glitter comes in various forms, from fluorescent to biodegradable, reflecting a growing concern for environmental sustainability.
In the realm of art, glitter has been used to flatten surfaces and create a twinkling veneer. Andy Warhol’s use of diamond dust in his paintings symbolizes mass-produced glamor, echoing the consumerist culture of 20th-century America. Despite its associations with marginalized identities, glitter has found a place in contemporary art, challenging traditional notions of artistry and beauty.
In the work of artists like Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt and Quil Lemons, glitter serves as a tool for expressing marginalized identities. Lanigan-Schmidt transforms everyday materials into textured surfaces that evoke spirituality and queer aesthetics. Lemons’ “GLITTERBOY” series features young Black men with glitter-dusted cheekbones, challenging societal norms of masculinity and visibility.
Despite its cultural significance, the art market has been slow to embrace glitter-laden artworks. At events like Art Basel Miami, glitter is a rare sight among the more traditional works on display. However, in smaller art fairs and alternative spaces, glitter takes center stage, democratizing light and challenging conventional notions of art.
In the end, glitter may not monumentalize light like traditional artistic materials, but it certainly democratizes it. Its unruly, synthetic nature challenges the boundaries of art and invites viewers to reconsider the value of sparkle and shine in contemporary culture. As glitter continues to find its place in the art world, it serves as a reminder of the power of light to inspire, provoke, and transform.
