Suspended in the interior rotunda by the Tampa Riverwalk, the sculpture is inspired by lightning in the Tampa Bay area. The artwork, titled Digital Fulminology, explores different types of activity, including cloud-to-ground strikes, lightning within clouds, and the movement of charged particles. Through environmental research behind how lightning forms, the artist, Jason Bruges, developed a dynamic algorithm to simulate and animate lightning in a generative performance.
Artist Statement ¶
Digital Fulminology explores the 3D geometries described by lightning forks finding the shortest paths with least electrical resistance through our atmosphere.
The numerous mathematical principles underlying the formation of lightning were used to build a dynamic lightning algorithm that choreographs a generative performance. Paying homage to the incidence of lightning in Tampa Bay region’s troposphere, the artwork’s different behaviors explore a classic cloud to ground strike, intra cloud activity and electrically charged particular movement.
The sculpture is constructed out of 15 types of linear elements to create a stochastic rod structure – with gradated randomness affecting horizontal inclination and the rotation of the linear LED displays.
During the design process, the artist consulted with revered fulminologist Emeritus Professor Martin A. Uman at the University of Florida.
Artist Bio ¶
Born on 15th September 1972, Jason Bruges is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer based in London. Jason’s work blends architecture with interaction design and uses a high-tech, mixed media palette to explore spectacle, time-based interventions and dynamic spatial experiences. He is passionate about creating site-specific pieces that engage people with their environments.
Jason Bruges trained as an architect at Oxford Brookes University and the Bartlett School of Architecture, (UCL). He worked with Foster + Partners for three years before moving to Imagination to become a Senior Interaction Designer. In 2002 Jason set up his own practice and now works with a talented team of people to develop and deliver interactive projects worldwide. The studio comprises of an experienced team of architects, artists, lighting designers, industrial designers and visualisers as well as specialists in electronics, programming and project management.
Jason Bruges Studio has become internationally renowned for producing innovative installations, interventions and ground breaking works. This practice involves creating interactive spaces and surfaces that sit between the world of architecture, site specific installation art and interaction design. Considered a pioneer of this hybrid in-between space, Jason has subsequently paved the way for a new genre of design studios, artists and designer-makers.