From LED to Neon

From LED to Neon: The Dialogue of Light and Space

Light has an exceptional ability to transform space and atmosphere, and I’ve aimed to bring this experience to both my art projects and performing arts productions. The use of neon and LED technology has opened up new possibilities for expression in my work, but the differences between these two light sources also matter. The sharp, directional light of LEDs and the soft, diffused glow of neon not only change the quality of light but also how viewers perceive my works. The dialogue between these lighting technologies has become a key part of my creative process, and with each project, I strive to explore what light can express and how it can alter space.

Over time, neon has become increasingly important to me. It’s not just a light source but an independent form of expression through which I can create soft, organic shapes that seem to merge with their surroundings. My first significant step into the world of neon came two years ago when I was commissioned to create a piece for the entrance of the Rovaniemi Art Museum, Korundi. This project marked the beginning of my exploration of neon, and since then, I’ve found myself noticing neon lights wherever I go. Working on the lighting for the Stockholm Opera allowed me to see how neon was used in diverse ways in our neighboring country.

With Osram LED tubes, I’ve long been able to create graphic, linear works, or media pieces like Vuolas Vuo, where pixelation and color gradients are central. However, working with neon offers a different approach. Neon can be bent into zigzags or rounded shapes, offering a freer form of expression compared to the linearity of LED tubes.

In public spaces, neon and LED lights create their own spatial experiences, and advertisements, often seen as purely commercial, are actually a significant part of urban life. The soft quality of neon light blends into its surroundings and brings a certain atmosphere. Meanwhile, the brightness and sharpness of LEDs can sometimes be too intrusive, causing light pollution and disturbing both natural darkness and people’s experience of space. This distinction has become evident in my work, where neon has become a softer medium for creating aesthetic spatial experiences.

The images here show examples of my work, where I’ve used neon and LED lights in different ways. For instance, in the Night Town performance, neon lights were shaped into letters and bent to play with the corners of the space, while in the Green Meadows immersive performance, the Olympic rings took form through neon. Each piece seeks to harness the unique properties of light and highlight its role in shaping space and experience.