Originating in the Renaissance, Chiaroscuro represents strong contrasts between light (chiaro) and dark (scuro), often affecting the entire composition of a drawing or piece of art.
The term has been further applied to woodcutting, drawing, cinema, photography, and even music—particularly, opera.
One of my favorite artists, who developed a dramatic form of Chiaroscuro, is Caravaggio (1573-1610).
Just as Chiaroscuro is not contained to the Renaissance, nor is it confined to the world of art.
For the 2010 autumn/winter season, Korean designer Park Sung Chul has conceived a collection entitled “Chiaroscuro.”
Drawing inspiration from the masters of Chiaroscuro, the collection is designed to express a new style that is based on “flash-feeling and inspiration” rather than fixed a idea.
Photo & slideshow 2010 autumn/winter collection Copyright Park Sung Chul.