Discover the contemporary work of olivervonberg
Oliver Leuchtenberg (*1972 in Düsseldorf) is a renowned lighting designer, light artist and photographer who is known for his groundbreaking architectural light installations. His works transform public spaces and buildings into impressive light art works. His outstanding projects include the lighting of the Signal Iduna Park (Borussia Dortmund's stadium), the spectacular illumination of the Hoheward slag heap in Herten and the creative lighting design of the König-Heinrich-Platz in Duisburg.
After completing a commercial apprenticeship (1989) and further training as a specialist planner for light and street lighting (1995), Leuchtenberg specialized further and completed a degree in lighting technology at the TU Ilmenau from 2008 to 2011. This course of study deepened his expertise in lighting planning and design and helped him to perfect his artistic and technical approaches, including in photography.
He discovered his passion for art and light at a young age and began making experimental installations at an early age. This love of experimentation later developed into a unique ability to combine light and space. Since 2005 he has devoted himself exclusively to the staging of urban, architectural projects. His works include facades, squares, bridges and stadiums, combining classic lighting design with innovative light art concepts for urban open spaces and buildings.
In addition to his work as a lighting designer, Oliver Leuchtenberg is also active as a photographer. With a trained eye for light and composition, he captures and develops his artistic vision photographically. His work is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic and the targeted use of expressive light.
For Leuchtenberg, light is more than just a design element - it is an emotional medium that connects people with their surroundings. He not only deals with large architectural structures, but also with the fine details of materials, surfaces and shapes. His motto: "First feel, then illuminate" shapes his work both as a light artist and as a photographer.
My work as a lighting designer and light artist has a significant impact on my photographic approach. The subject of light plays a central role, both in architecture and in photography. I prefer a minimalist aesthetic, in which I consciously avoid technical aids such as flash and instead use natural light, especially daylight. This approach allows me to create authentic and simple images in which the light itself and the subject come to the fore.
In my photography, be it street or model photography, I look for clear and reduced structures. Just like in my light installations, less is more. The images are often designed to be calm and unexciting, so that neither the light nor the subject distract from the essentials. It's about capturing the moment in its essence and telling the story of the subject - be it the movement of a model or the gestures of a person on the street.
The selection of motifs often happens intuitively. Often it is spontaneous moments that arise and appeal to me visually. My goal is to visually captivate the viewer so that their gaze remains caught in the picture. In my work I want to create an emotional connection by depicting the essence of the motif with as little distraction as possible.
When a picture is "finished" is decided by my gut feeling. It is the moment when I know that the picture meets my artistic standards and that the motif has been captured in a way that captivates the viewer. It is about the right interplay of light, composition and emotion - simple yet expressive.
