“Those who have seen the invention pronounce it wonderful.”

PETER TERTZAKIAN

JUNE 10TH - July 14TH

Opening reception on SATURDAY JUNE 10th, 2023

2-6pm

ARTIST’s TALK AT 3:00PM

Artist’s Statement

“I’ll admit it: collecting antique light bulbs may seem like an eccentric pastime. However, I make no apologies. These beautiful pieces of glass technology make me feel closer to one of the most important periods in human history: the dawn of electricity.

Individually, the light bulbs in my collection spark the curious mind. Yet it’s the progression of the bulbs from about 1880 to the 1930s that tells a fascinating story. Together, the 14 pieces in this exhibition represent slices of innovation, competition, and disruption in lighting during this remarkable time.

Today, the term “electrification” is in vogue again. Cutting carbon emissions relies heavily on replacing combustion-based devices with electrical ones — electric vehicles and induction stoves, for example. Ironically, the challenge of transition was the same 140 years ago. Champions of electrical lighting were trying to push out candles, kerosene lanterns, and coal-gas lighting. Although the devices are different, these bulbs offer enduring lessons.

For years now, I’ve used still photography to explore the bulbs visually. The classic crispness of a photo captures the fragility of each intricate structure housed in paper-thin glass. But I wanted more from the images. I wanted to reveal each bulb’s unique place in the evolution of light. The cage styles, the filament patterns, the unique base styles — all were best exposed with colour, contrast, and bold modernity. Digital paint and the iconic pop art treatment became the perfect media for my vision.”

~peter tertzakian~

peter tertzakian - artist’s biography

Peter’s CV would indicate he’s a man of technology and finance, but, as this show reveals, he’s as much a man of art. 

By day, Peter is a Managing Director of ARC Financial Corp. and the founder of ARC Energy Research Institute. He’s also the author of three books on energy, including two international bestsellers, and the founder of Energyphile, a passion project exploring our energy past, present, and future.  

Growing up in a technology-minded family, Peter was bitten by the creative bug in high school, when he took photography and film studies. As he built a career in energy, technology, and finance, firmly focused on numbers, he complemented it with photography and creative writing and has long used both to explain complex topics — from the kitchen table to the boardroom table.  

A lifelong student of art history, Peter has always been attracted to periods of creative disruption. Like the pop art movement.

This show celebrating the art of energy is the culmination of his life of science and creativity.  

To see more of Peter’s photography, art, and writing, visit energyphile.org.