Sculpting Fluid And Reactive LED Surfaces

Formally an analyst on Wall Street, Jason Krugman now employs himself as an electro-kinetic artist who specializes in interactive light sculptures. He works from basic flexible LED meshes, but that doesn’t mean these are predictable or typical LED fabrications. Krugman’s installations are reactive and animalistic, differentiating themselves from the LED sculptures we’re used to seeing—that while mesmerizing or dizzying, seem to lack a human element. Most recently, Krugman exhibited one of his meshes as part of The Festival of Ideas earlier this month, but here we look at a few of his ongoing experimentations.

Firefly

This installation, sculpted from LEDs, custom switches, and aluminum, reacts to wind and patrons’ motions. By blowing on or fanning the piece, bursts of light and waves of motion dance across the installation’s facade.

Harmonium

Taking LEDs far beyond their original application (for use in distracting advertisements) Harmonium, exists as a “breathing” double-paneled work. The result forms something that looks like the wings of a glow-in-the-dark insect or a set of augmented lungs.

Living Objects

These large-scale, 120-pound Living Objects are probably Krugman’s most recognizable works. Exhibited in the public sphere, the dream-inspired installations whose semi-opaque skin make them radiate from within have made their appearance at the Electric Zoo Music Festival on Randall’s Island, McCarren Park in Brooklyn, and have even been spotted in the treetops of the East Village.