Interactive Light Artist Jen Lewin: Creating Large-Scale LED Art

Summary

In this article, we explore the work of Jen Lewin, an interactive light artist who creates sound and LED art on a large scale. Her work has been shown in over 18 countries and hundreds of exhibitions, with her largest piece, Cosmo, spanning over 15,000 square feet and featuring 240,000 LED lights. We delve into her creative process, from analyzing sites in 3D to building prototypes and writing code, and discuss the software she uses to map video to LED arrays and pull in live weather data. We also explore the importance of participation and connection with the public in her work.

Analyzing Sites in 3D
Building Prototypes and Writing Code
Mapping Video to LED Arrays with Live Weather Data
Components of the Aurora Sculpture
Participation and Connection with the Public

Analyzing Sites in 3D

Jen Lewin spends a lot of time analyzing the site in 3D and rendering her ideas in 3D. This allows her to create large-scale LED art that is perfectly suited to the space it occupies. Her work has been shown in over 18 countries and hundreds of exhibitions, and her largest piece, Cosmo, is over 15,000 square feet and has 240,000 LED lights.

Building Prototypes and Writing Code

Once Jen has rendered her ideas in 3D, she works with her team to figure out how to build it, which can take up to a year of experimentation and iteration. Once the prototype is approved, they move into fabrication, which involves a lot of repetition and assembly. Jen’s favorite days are when she gets to sit and write code all day. She was part of an experimental program called Logo where she learned to program in third grade, and she loves programming and art equally.

Mapping Video to LED Arrays with Live Weather Data

The speaker in the video discusses a software that maps video to an LED array that is physically present in a space. The software pulls in live weather data to create different playlists based on weather conditions. Another software is used to communicate with a project and set parameters for lighting conditions. The ground-based pieces are built as a mesh network with each platform having intelligence and the ability to communicate with each other.

Components of the Aurora Sculpture

The Aurora sculpture in Minneapolis is a prime example of Jen Lewin’s work. It features thousands of glass bulbs and LED rings and uses custom software that is all hers. The sculpture is interactive, with participants able to change the colors and patterns of the lights by moving around the space.

Participation and Connection with the Public

Jen Lewin emphasizes the importance of participation and creating a connection with the public in her work. Her pieces are often interactive, allowing participants to engage with the art and become part of the experience. This creates a sense of community and shared experience that is integral to her work.

Conclusion

Jen Lewin’s work is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. Her ability to blend art and technology in a way that engages and connects with the public is truly remarkable. By analyzing sites in 3D, building prototypes, and writing code, she creates large-scale LED art that is perfectly suited to the space it occupies. Her use of software to map video to LED arrays and pull in live weather data is cutting-edge, and her emphasis on participation and connection with the public is inspiring.