Capturing the way light moves in dark atmospheres, Reuben creates Light Painting artworks capturing the beauty of light and how the light moves and interacts in a dark space. Working with different materials such as light bars, wands and even fire, Reuben creates stunning abstract works that show the light in the world around us.
His journey began in 2023 when he first began this medium through his VCE art class. Interested in photography, he began experimenting with shutter speed to see how light would interact with a longer exposure. From 2023 to 2024 Reuben explored this genre taking hundreds of images to work towards his final body of art.
The final art piece, “7 Coloured Circles,” won the Acquisitive Art Prize at St Andrew’s Christian College and is now permanently on display at the school for all to see. The artwork explores the colours of the rainbow and the beauty of light and colour. It also shows Reuben’s Christian beliefs, as he has used the seven colours to relate back to God’s promise and the redemption of the original rainbow.
Reuben creates most of his light paintings in his backyard using a small space to capture the full potential of how the light interacts with the space. Reuben also takes photos at locations around his home. Taking photos near Yea and Mordialic Beach, he captures the beauty and colour of the locations he takes his photos in. Sometimes capturing individuals, Reuben prefers to only capture light and the surroundings as he does not want to distract the viewer from what he wants to communicate.
Reuben’s process is unique as he only takes his photos at night when it is dark and while listening to music. “I like how when you listen to music you can move more easily. Without music to move like I do when taking a photo feels weird but music helps me relax and move with the rhythm of the music to help create what I create.”
Reuben continues to create art and you can purchase his artwork on Etsy.
Reuben Hogan Photography 