Minja Smajic

You Say Light—I Think Shadow (2014, Art and Theory Publishing) is a compilation of 109 original texts by leading designers in the fields of art, architecture, design, literature, film, theater, and photography on the subject of light and dark. The project was conceived and realized by Stockholm-based artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic and graphic designer Sandra Praun.

You Say Light - I Think Shadow is a book project conceptualized and visualized by artist Aleksandra Stratimiroviv (left) and graphic designer Sandra Praun (right).
Elisabeth Toll You Say Light - I Think Shadow is a book project conceptualized and visualized by artist Aleksandra Stratimiroviv (left) and graphic designer Sandra Praun (right).

Funding for the limited print run of 2,000 was made available by L-RO (Lighting-Related Organizations) as part of the UNESCO International Year of Light and Light Based Technologies 2015. Each of the entries incorporates a personal reflection by a noted designer. Stratimirovic and Praun weave the individual texts together in a specific order, and through a visually dynamic use of font, graphics, paper selection, and layout, they create a conversation between the participating designers and a broader dialogue with the reader about the intrinsic nuances of light as an artistic medium. •

Lighting designer Charles Stone, principal of New York-based lighting firm Fisher Marantz Stone, is one of the participants in the project.
Robin Hayes Lighting designer Charles Stone, principal of New York-based lighting firm Fisher Marantz Stone, is one of the participants in the project.
Tokyo-based lighting designer Kaoru Mende, principal of Lighting Planners Associates, is one of the project participants. His text entry is titled "The Nature of Shadow in the Visual World."
Robin Hayes Tokyo-based lighting designer Kaoru Mende, principal of Lighting Planners Associates, is one of the project participants. His text entry is titled "The Nature of Shadow in the Visual World."
Snøhetta Architects' entry discusses the Lascaux Caves museum in France.
Robin Hayes Snøhetta Architects' entry discusses the Lascaux Caves museum in France.
For his project entry, artist Valentin Ruhry asks: What is light?
Robin Hayes For his project entry, artist Valentin Ruhry asks: What is light?