Pierre Soulages is one of the finest contemporary abstract artists on the international art scene and his works are exhibited in all the world's major galleries. The Soulages Museum is the result of an exceptional donation made by Pierre and Colette Soulages to Grand Rodez, the artist's birthplace. It is designed to be a large 6000 m2 platform at the service of international creativity. The museum collection boasts 500 works, including both paintings and sculptures, and is estimated to be worth 40 million euro. It is a unique and fascinating collection whose extraordinary wealth is enhanced by national and international temporary exhibitions. Pierre Soulages was a member of the jury entrusted to select the architectural design best suited to house the museum, and the international competition was won by the Catalan company, RCR Aquitectes. After three years of work the building was opened in May 2014 in Rodez.
The lighting project was entrusted to the Artec 3 studio, who carefully analysed materials, light and proportions to create an intense and serene location and a well-lit and eco-sustainable structure. And even the architecture itself was designed around the aspect of light. The lighting concept is based on the architect's large, geometrical windows, which together with the artificial illumination, create a unique location for both visitors and the works on display. The lighting is both general and specific for the works exhibited. Expertly balancing the visual rhythm of the exhibition spaces, the lighting establishes a special connection between the visitors and the artworks that are lit by LED Palco spotlights mounted on a binary track system. Palco, the luminaire designed by the Artec3 studio was specifically created as museum lighting for the Soulages Museum. Inspired by the shape of an artist's brush, it is an aluminium spotlight with a soft and elegant design that distributes light, almost like a brushstroke. This versatile product is equipped with the most advanced technology in order to both respect and enhance the artworks on display. The results made Pierre Soulages say: “I have never seen my works so well lit”
The lighting project was entrusted to the Artec 3 studio, who carefully analysed materials, light and proportions to create an intense and serene location and a well-lit and eco-sustainable structure. And even the architecture itself was designed around the aspect of light. The lighting concept is based on the architect's large, geometrical windows, which together with the artificial illumination, create a unique location for both visitors and the works on display. The lighting is both general and specific for the works exhibited. Expertly balancing the visual rhythm of the exhibition spaces, the lighting establishes a special connection between the visitors and the artworks that are lit by LED Palco spotlights mounted on a binary track system. Palco, the luminaire designed by the Artec3 studio was specifically created as museum lighting for the Soulages Museum. Inspired by the shape of an artist's brush, it is an aluminium spotlight with a soft and elegant design that distributes light, almost like a brushstroke. This versatile product is equipped with the most advanced technology in order to both respect and enhance the artworks on display. The results made Pierre Soulages say: “I have never seen my works so well lit”
