Imagine standing on the shore of Lake Michigan at twilight, the water reflecting the soft glow of cascading, curtain-like lights in the sky. This isn’t a dream—it’s the mesmerizing work of Reuben Wu (previous), a multidisciplinary artist renowned for using technology to transform natural landscapes into ethereal works of art.
Last summer, Wu’s ongoing series, SIREN, brought his unique light paintings to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Using drone-mounted lasers, Wu creates glowing “aeroglyphs”—light forms that seem to hover delicately in space. These shapes, inspired by the natural flow of the environment, mimic the rolling waves of the lake and, on one magical evening, were complemented by the northern lights during a Perseids meteor shower.
A Fusion of Nature, Technology, and Art
“This series captures ephemeral, curtain-like structures that hover delicately in space, shaped by their environment rather than imposing upon it,” Wu explains. Unlike static sculptures, these light forms are fleeting, blending harmoniously with their surroundings and enhancing their beauty without disrupting it.
The glowing curtains feel alive, influenced by the rhythms of the lake and the sky. Wu’s light paintings challenge our understanding of landscapes, blending natural beauty with technological innovation to create moments that feel almost otherworldly.
See more of Reuben Wu’s creations on Instagram @reuben or explore his portfolio at Reuben Wu.
