For over 35 years, August Muth has been a trailblazer in the exploration of light as an artistic medium, using holography to craft works that delve into the intrinsic qualities of light and perception. His journey began at 16 when he first experimented with large water-filled glass prisms, casting refracted prismatic light onto his family’s garage door. This early fascination with light led him to explore its properties further through art and physics studies at the University of New Mexico, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas at Austin.
In 1980, Muth’s passion for holography was ignited at The Museum of Holography in Soho, New York, under the mentorship of Fred Unterseher. By 1985, he had established his first holographic studio in Telluride, Colorado, where he honed the Denisyuk single-beam holography technique. His relentless pursuit of understanding the relationship between light, space, and time led to the expansion and reimagining of his studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1994. There, he dedicated countless hours to developing innovative techniques for creating larger holograms, ultimately achieving groundbreaking success.
Muth’s artworks are a testament to his deep engagement with the medium. By carving, painting, and shaping holographic emulsions, he transforms white light into a crystalline polychromatic palette that captivates the viewer. His compositions range from intricate, multi-dimensional forms to minimalist works that invite contemplation and reveal the mysteries of light and color.
His international exhibitions have garnered acclaim, positioning him as a pioneer who redefines the boundaries of artistic expression through holography. In his Santa Fe studio, Muth continues to push the limits of this medium, creating works that challenge perceptions and offer fresh insights into the ever-evolving interplay of light, space, and time.