Loïe Fuller: Lecture on Radium is a remarkable look into the mind of one of the most visionary performers of the early twentieth century. Known for her spellbinding stage shows using coloured light, swirling fabric and fluid movement, Fuller transformed dance into something ethereal. Her performances left audiences breathless and inspired artists like Rodin and Mallarmé.
Less widely known is her fascination with science. This book collects her own words, alongside archival photographs and documents, revealing her passion for technology and her deep curiosity about the discoveries of her time.
At its heart is Fuller's 1907 lecture on radium. She reflects on her encounters with Marie and Pierre Curie, Thomas Edison, and her dramatic efforts to create a performance that glowed in the dark. Her famous 'Serpentine Dance' was not just theatre, but experiment and invention, shaped by the light of a new scientific age.
With an introduction by cinema scholar Tom Gunning, this book shines a light on an eccentric and pioneering artist who moved freely between art and science, imagination and risk.
Published by Lightbox. Made in the USA.
