Jellyfish Lamps

Solar-Powered Jellyfish Lamps

Another addition to our Burning Man Theme Camp when the theme was Animalia, was the solar-powered jellyfish lamps I created to decorate our gallery. They were designed as an underwater centerpiece in the room, hanging over a low table in the space that was bathed in blacklight. They hung from a central shade pole with solar panels located out of view above, and were at a level where people seated could still have a conversation, and the view of the gallery posters was not blocked.

Details

Laser-cut plexiglass shapes form the mantle of the jellyfish, and uv-reactive brains (from our Brainy Bar camp logo) glow from within to achieve the translucent look with UV lighting in the dark. Iridescent fabrics were selected to enhance the daytime effect of shimmering skin and are sewn with day-glow thread along the tentacles. The tentacles are gathered along flexible wire and bent into shape, hanging loosely from the interior so they catch the breeze and look like they are floating. The jellyfish are illuminated with solar garden fairy lights that have animated patterns that pulse within the interior of the jellyfish and hang among the tentacles.

The whole collection needed to be able to be packed into bins for transport and assembled and hung on site. They also needed to be able to withstand strong wind, high temperatures, and wet conditions. And when in use, should look effortless, light and fluid. Happily they succeeded on all those points, and they can be used in multiple events.