LIGHTING DESIGN
WRITING
Jason studies lighting design from a neuroaesthetic perspective and has published a peer-reviewed book with Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis. He is the first to theorise neuroaesthetics in lighting design and popular arts. His main academic interest is neuroaesthetics, it is an academic field trying to explain about aesthetic experience via interdisciplinary approach with psychology, evolutionary biology based on neuroscience. Also, he is writing his thought about light and beauty through media like LSi (UK) and Live Design (US).
Neuroaesthetic Stage Lighting Design
What Makes Good Light
ISBN 9781032970530
Published August 20, 2025 by Routledge
Neuroaesthetic Stage Lighting Design redefines stage lighting through the lens of neuroaesthetics, exploring how light shapes human perception, emotion, and experience. Interweaving science, philosophy, and art, it reveals the power of lighting to enhance beauty and meaning on the stage.
This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the aesthetic and functional principles of light by weaving together multiple threads of interdisciplinary integration, faithful reproduction of natural light, scientific foundation, and visual symbolism. It explores lighting that mimics originals, including natural light to enhance beauty and audience immersion, explains the biological and psychological effects of light on human experience, and examines how set, lighting, costumes, and videos contribute to the performance's imagery and audience perception. By using scientifically informed lighting design, the book seeks to create immersive and fully emotional performances. It encourages lighting designers to adopt an interdisciplinary, artistically informed approach and provides valuable insights into the lighting design process, surpassing traditional technical manuals.
A compelling read for theatre professionals, designers, students and researchers of neuroaesthetics, and anyone curious about the meaning and reasons behind beauty, Neuroaesthetic Stage Lighting Design reimagines lighting as an essential component of human experience and artistic excellence.
Available globally from Europe to Asia, from Amazon to local book stores
​“Who would have thought that neuroaesthetics would be something a lighting designer might consider in their work? Young Korean designer and writer, Jason Ahn, asks exactly this question and educates readers with compelling answers. A fascinating and well-written addition to the current offering of books on lighting design.”
Patrick Woodroffe OBE RDI, Principal Lighting Designer of Woodroffe Bassett Design, UK
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“This book provides very useful insight and context about the use and meaning of theatrical lighting, offering background analysis for the choices that can be made in lighting stage performances and the impact that this has on the audience.”
Rick Fisher, President of Association of Lighting Production and Design, UK
WRITING FOR MEDIA
Published in The United States
3 December 2025
Published in The United States
4 April 2025