Colour theory: Brian Eno reflects on light and listening in his new tome
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Roxy Music, the late David Bowie, Talking Heads, U2 and the Sydney Opera House have all benefited from the artful influence of Brian Eno. Last spring, so too did Paul Stolper gallery. This small but important space located in the shadow of the British Museum presented Eno's 'Light Music' exhibition, the works from which now form an eponymous tome released by the gallery's acclaimed art-book imprint.
Depending in which circle you're standing, Eno is arguably best known for his work in ambient music. He coined the phrase and contributed massively to its proliferation. But Eno is also a celebrated visual artist, having exhibited globally since the 1970s. Through the colourful pages of Light Music, Eno explains how his multi-disciplinary talents come from the same place. 'Painting and music have always been interwoven for me,' he says. 'I started playing with light as a medium at about the same time I started playing with sound when a teenager.'
Surprisingly, Eno's preoccupation with light art can be attributed, in part, to Walt Disney. 'My uncle Douglas had borrowed an 8mm projector and some reels of Disney films,' Eno writes in the book's introduction. 'He didn't have a screen, so he set the projector up to throw its image onto the kitchen wall. I have no recollection of what we saw: but what I remember, even now, was the visceral impact of that intensity of colour.' On each page of Light Music this potency and depth reveals itself in technicolour rainbows.
Examples of Eno’s ’Tender Dividor’ lenticulars. Editions of 100, exhibited at Paul Stolper gallery in 2016. Courtesy of Paul Stolper, London
Eno's art is rarely seen or exhibited without musical accompaniment. For last year's 'Light Music' exhibition, he composed a new piece that played for the duration of the show. With this in mind, seeing his artworks silently staring from the pages of a book is a completely novel and particular experience. In quiet moments of reading, the works can be appreciated for their physical appearance alone. Readers can dedicate sole attention to their gently fading gradients and Mondrian-esque geometries.
This sense of quiet meditation is picked up on by author Michael Bracewell in the book's introduction. 'He creates a space for the contemplation of individual experience,' Bracewell writes. 'The viewer / listener is invited into a meditative situation - to be in the present.'
Installation view of ’Light Music’ at Paul Stolper gallery, 2016. Courtesy of Paul Stolper, London
Though the book soundlessly concentrates on the visual aspect of Eno's oeuvre, there's still musicality in its pages, achieved through Land Ahoy Ltd's thoughtful book design. The London-based company chose to present gradually shifting views of Eno's artworks. When you flick through the pages, the artworks seem to dance, as if tuned-in to some silent Eno soundtrack only they can hear. Capturing two inherently performative elements (light and music) in a 2D printed format is never going to be easy. But through this flick-book technique, along with satisfyingly textural pages and lively header graphics, the pages pulse with an energy that reflects Eno's live works.
Eno fans will be clambering to get their hands on Light Music, as the busy book signing earlier this week attested - Stolper's slim gallery was bursting at the seems with animated Eno enthusiasts. Even if you've never heard of Eno (where have you been?) this book will also appeal to those who have an interest in beautiful art objects - no small thanks to Stolper's ever-impressive publishing efforts.
Left, an LED layout drawing for 65 x 130 cm Lightbox 2016, by Brian Eno. Right, ’Shedding Light’, an essay by Michael Bracewell
The book, titled Light Music, was designed by London-based Land Ahoy Ltd
A screen print slipped inside the sleeve of 250 limited edition copies of Eno’s Light Music.
INFORMATION
Light Music, £45, published by Paul Stopler Gallery, available from the website (opens in new tab)
Elly Parsons is the Digital Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees Wallpaper.com and its social platforms. She has been with the brand since 2015 in various roles, spending time as digital writer – specialising in art, technology and contemporary culture – and as deputy digital editor. She was shortlisted for a PPA Award in 2017, has written extensively for many publications, and has contributed to three books. She is a guest lecturer in digital journalism at Goldsmiths University, London, where she also holds a masters degree in creative writing. Now, her main areas of expertise include content strategy, audience engagement, and social media.
-
Venice Biennale 2024: a guide to the artists announced so far
Keep up-to-date with our ongoing list of who’s representing who at the Venice Biennale 2024 – here's what we know so far
By Martha Elliott • Published
-
New Nike book is an inspirational handbook for the next generation of creatives and athletes
New Nike book, ‘After all, there is No Finish Line’, features eye-catching black-and-white imagery and speculative fiction and essays that ponder design, innovation and sport
By Pei-Ru Keh • Published
-
Sophie Bille Brahe interprets the signet ring with a new initials jewellery
Sophie Bille Brahe’s new initials jewellery is ‘a personal way to express an eternal feeling of love’
By Tilly Macalister-Smith • Published
-
Best contemporary art books: a guide for 2023
From maverick memoirs to topical tomes, turn over a new leaf with the Wallpaper* arts desk’s pick of new releases and all-time favourite art books
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Behind the scenes of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining: new book charts the making of a horror icon
Published in February 2023 by Taschen, a new collector's book will go behind the scenes of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, charting the unseen making of a film that defined the horror genre
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
The best photography books for your coffee table
Flick through, mull over and deep-dive into the best photography books on the market, from our shelves to you this Christmas 2022
By Sophie Gladstone • Published
-
Montreux Jazz Festival posters: a visual history
As artist Guillaume Grando (SupaKitch) unveils his poster for the 57th Montreux Jazz Festival (30 June - 15 July 2023), we reflect on the most memorable designs since 1967, including from David Bowie to Andy Warhol and Camille Walala
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated
-
New photo book chronicles the messy, magical mundanity of new motherhood
Sorry I Gave Birth I Disappeared But Now I’m Back by photographer Andi Galdi Vinko explores new motherhood in all its messy, beautiful reality
By Hannah Silver • Last updated
-
Brad Walls’ aerial view transforms pools into artwork
Aerial photographer Brad Walls provides a crisp conclusion to the summer months with new book Pools From Above – you’ll want to dive right in
By Martha Elliott • Last updated
-
Subversive artist Cosey Fanni Tutti on individuality and annihilating limitations
Following the launch of her new book Re-Sisters, we speak to Cosey Fanni Tutti about conquering fear through action, stepping into the unknown, and the secret to making art that matters
By Mary Cleary • Last updated
-
Brent Faiyaz on his latest album, Wasteland: ‘I just wanted to go all out’
A captivating storyteller, R&B singer Brent Faiyaz is wasting no time with a standout second album. Here’s why he’s one of Wallpaper* guest editor Kelly Wearstler’s favourite contemporary creatives.
By Lawrence Burney • Last updated