The Lightbodies are life-sized human shapes made by artist Kilu. Male and female human forms become functional sculptures when their heads conceal vibrantly colored lightbulbs surrounded by a shade.
Lightbodies by Kilu
The shades made from multi-layered coated and foiled paper (black and gold foil for the males, white and silver foil for the females) and the lamps are equipped with 6′ long cords.
They invite a sense of humor, as they become active participants in its surrounding space. Especially after dawn, the emitted light (pink for the woman, orange for the male) creates a mesmerizing, color-filled atmosphere.
There are presently four forms in the Lightbodies collection:
Female One:
75″x 33″x 26″. Fiberglass, chrome finish, coated foiled paper, pink light. Limited edition of 200, numbered and signed.
Female Seated:
60″x 22″x 25″. Fiberglass, chrome finish, coated foiled paper, pink light. Limited edition of 200, numbered and signed.
Male One:
78″x24″x21″. Fiberglass, chrome finish, coated foiled paper, orange light. Limited edition of 200, numbered and signed.
Male Two:
78″x 30″x 23″. Fiberglass, chrome finish, coated foiled paper, orange light. Limited edition of 200, numbered and signed.
UPDATE: We can no longer find Kilu’s website or any information about him. However, Jimmie Martin carries mannequin lamps that are very similar – and for all I know, made by the same artist.
About the artist:
Kilu’s artistic practice includes using light as both the source material and product of his work. He explores this intangible medium by transforming and combining casual objects into sculptures, which are then able to manipulate, capture and absorb the intrinsic values of light. His most recent experiments employ materials such as laser, fog and lucite to interpret light’s proper ties by way of bold colors, shapes, and varying consistencies.
Kilu lives and creates in New York, where he relocated from Switzerland in 2006 after winning The Chelsea International Fine Art Competition. His accomplishments also include winning The Healing Power of Art award in 2007, as well as being exhibited in several solo and group shows in New York.
all Lightbodies images and products are a registered trademark of and copyright, patent pending by Kilu.