SUPER OBJECT: AT THE INTERSECTION OF CRAFT AND TECHNOLOGY.

Interactive cultural artifact meets mass production.

The industrial revolution brought GLORY to the machine-made, mass-produced and manufactured object. With that, came the loss of aura and authenticity that is often associated with sensoria. The societal need for mass production was in response to the desire to ‘bring things closer’ and overcome the uniqueness of reality, by replacing individuality with sameness. Benjamin would argue that the loss of original artifact causes the destruction of aura, shattering the tradition brought on by mechanical reproduction, separating the work of art from the place it happens to be.

The super object “materializes what could be called the avant-garde dichotomy between art and life, referring to both spheres at the same time.” A super object contains many layers, relating not only to the traditional physical object but also articulates “hidden” perceptions through imaginary media. The intention is to direct the viewer elsewhere, encouraging them to be aware of the imaginary media behind the object.

Skills needed/Resources needed

  • 3D modeling, CNC mill
  • Plaster mold
  • Slip cast porcelain pour
  • Arduino
  • Sensors/Lights/Vibrating motors

Deliverables/Sketch of visual aspects:

For years I’ve been low-key obsessed with mobiles and as most already know, ‘big sky’. All of this leads to a desire to create something that hangs from the ceiling. Potentially objects that collide to make noise, or perhaps objects that are light and move with the flow of air.

A possible execution would involve the creation of cloud shapes that are hung from above – close together – designed to create a blanket-like texture across the ceiling. The intention is to create/develop/experience a peaceful and reflective space, absent from the ‘glowing box’.

This ‘brown cloud’ is getting me down! Another execution would physically quantify data. In my Sustainable Design class, we discuss the importance of demonstrating data. This could also involve the juxtaposition of objects that would typically be on the ground, (iceberg, mountain shapes) suspended from above. Or things that are typically in the air (clouds) be on the ground (brown cloud). Needs further development.

Below is an image of a kinetic sculpture to help demonstrate some of the aspects I would like to include in this project.