LCD ads are omnipresent today, even if they have been replaced in parts of LEDs . When we think of modern art , we imagine Pollock, Picasso or Warhol. They used a number of media and techniques to refine their skills and create unique, fascinating pieces. Some contemporary artists and gallery owners think in the same direction, but with the latest technology.
LCD screens are often used to present and present contemporary art. Let us examine the influence of LCDs on the art world.
LCDs as part of art
Photo by
Michael Maasen @Mgmaasen, via unsplash
The best-known use of LCD panels in art is Engine of Engines , a breathtaking work by Daniel Howe and Bill Seaman . Engine of Engines, which consists of 16 LCD panels, which are attached in a geometric arrangement, was originally exhibited at the City University of Hong Kong.
The 'Engine of Engines' is a generative sound and video installation that responds in real time to the network traffic in its surroundings. At its debut in Hong Kong, sixteen self-contained nodes floated in space via connecting cables. Each node consisted of a screen, a processing unit, an audio output, and flash memory. These nodes interacted dynamically with the nearly 1,000 computers in the labs, offices, and classrooms of the School of Creative Media .
However, Engine of Engines is not the only LCD-based work of art that the art world has seen. Artists can achieve unique effects by putting pressure on damaged LCD screens. Paul Strauss wrote for the Technabob blog and explained there:
In the "LCD bending" you press your fingertips against a jumped LCD screen, during which it is switched on. The results are pretty wild. When you watch how the crystallized goosebumps move inside the display, while it is under power and illuminated, there are extremely fascinating fractal -like sight. "
LCDs as a medium for the presentation of art
LCDs are undoubtedly an advantage for the exhibition and creating of art. The presentation of graffiti art , also Street Art , is an excellent example of the use of LCD panels. In such cases in which the work of art cannot be moved, a high-quality photo can be displayed on an LCD screen. In the case of more extensive works, a larger scale screen can be purchased to try to display it in the size originally intended by the artist.
Photo by Pawel Czerwinski @Pawel_czerwinski, via Unsplash
Art gallery owners are always looking for new ways to advertise upcoming exhibitions and increase the number of visitors in the same way as shopkeepers. LCD ads can be used to distribute existing marketing materials or to preview the current or upcoming exhibition.
The art world has always researched new ideas quickly, so it is no wonder that LCD panels in galleries play an increasingly important role. In the past, a screen may not have been able to present the complexity of a work of art. But current screens quickly enable the presentation of the contrast and colors that are required to appreciate a work of art.
What elements make the performance of LCD displays?
An LCD ( "Liquid Crystal Display" - in German: Liquid crystal display) uses a thin layer of liquid crystals that combine the properties of liquids and crystals. The focus can be changed by electrical voltage, which controlls the light permeability. This creates visible images or texts, which makes LCDS energy-efficient and versatile-from monitors to Arduino displays .
These liquid crystals are located between two transparent electrodes and two polarization filters, which are arranged at a right angle. In the idle state, the crystals ensure that incident light is turned 90 degrees so that it can pass both filters and the area appears light. However, as soon as an electrical voltage is created, the crystals change their alignment, which eliminates the rotation.
As a result, the light is blocked by the second polarizing filter, and the corresponding area appears dark. This principle allows specific patterns or characters to be displayed on the screen. An LCD display-Arduino combination uses this effect to display characters. The microcontroller sends signals to the display to activate or deactivate pixels
The performance of LCD displays is determined by factors such as reaction time, contrast, brightness and viewing angle. Modern displays use technologies such as IPS or VA to optimize.
How does light polarization work at LCDs?
The light polarization is essential for every Arduino display. Normal light swings perpendicular to the direction of propagation in all directions, but a polarization filter only allows a certain direction of vibration. In LCD displays, two such filters control the light in a targeted manner, which creates clear and high-contrast representations.
LCDs have two polarization filters with subsequent directions of around 90 degrees. Without liquid crystals, no light would pass both filters, and the display would remain dark. However, the crystals rotate the polarization direction of the light, so that it gets through the second filter. By electrical voltage, this effect can be controlled in a targeted manner in order to display light and dark areas.
In the Arduino LCD display, electrical signals control the crystal alignment. The crystals no longer turn the light with tension and the area becomes dark. Targeted control creates letters, numbers or graphics.
This technology is used in simple segment ads and in complex color displays with RGB filters.
How are the pixels controlled in the LCD display?
To understand how an LCD display is controlled, it is worth taking a look at the pixel structure. A pixel is the smallest unit of the representation - for monochrome displays it consists of a liquid crystal element, while with color displays it consists of three subpixels (red, green, blue). Different colors and brightness levels can be generated by targeted control of the voltage for each subpixel, which shows images and texts.
The control takes place via a matrix from lines and column lines. Small displays enable direct pixel control, more extensive use with multiplexing with a line -up update.
The LCDArduino display communicates via different interfaces: parallel connections, I2C or SPI. The Arduino sends commands and data to the display controller , which converts them into control signals for the pixels.
Graphic displays with individual pixel control are suitable for more complex projects that enable custom symbols or graphics. Libraries considerably simplify programming.
The most important features of an LCD Arduino display are:
- Resolution (sign/pixel)
- Autipoty type (parallel, I2C, spi)
- Electricity consumption (important for battery operation)
- Back lighting (improves readability)
Due to its simple control and moderate power consumption, the LCD display for Arduino is a proven and versatile element in numerous projects. It finds application in a variety of fields, from home automation to measurement and monitoring systems to DIY electronics projects.
Thanks to its straightforward integration with microcontrollers like the Arduino, information such as measured values, status indicators, or user prompts can be easily displayed. This makes it particularly popular with developers, tinkerers, and technology enthusiasts seeking functional and efficient solutions for their projects.
LCD technology is constantly evolving, with ever-higher resolutions, optimized color reproduction, and faster response times for expanded application possibilities. We're excited to see how these technological innovations are embraced and integrated by the art world.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
