SuperMatter

Wes McGee; David Pigram; Iain Maxwell

SuperMatter

Wes McGee, David Pigram, Iain Maxwell

Design & Built Environment

Research output: Non-textual form › Design

Abstract

SuperMatter consists of two sculptural artefacts materialised in bronze and an infinite catalogue of algorithmically generated digital possibilities. The work is created via a custom written genotype formation algorithm written in VBScript. As such, although both sculptures share the same underlying DNA and indeed many formal similarities, their outward form is ultimately unique as a result of epigenetic differences. The two pieces are non-identical twins.

In realising the bronze sculptures, the highly intricate and detailed digital forms are first materialised using a high-resolution Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) 3D printer. Subsequently, these positive forms are converted using more traditional lost-wax techniques into molds ready for casting. The workflow offers a viable, if not still laborious, process for capturing the unique forms of each artefact. The plinths above which the objects are embedded, are also derived via the genetic code and materialised in laminated timber via CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) milling.

The sculptures have been exhibited at the Bridge Gallery in New York (2009) and the Venice Architecture Biennale (2012).

Original language	English
Publication status	Published - 2009
Event	Wild Childs - Bridge Gallery, New York, United States Duration: 7 Sept 2009 → …

Cite this

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title = "SuperMatter",

abstract = "SuperMatter consists of two sculptural artefacts materialised in bronze and an infinite catalogue of algorithmically generated digital possibilities. The work is created via a custom written genotype formation algorithm written in VBScript. As such, although both sculptures share the same underlying DNA and indeed many formal similarities, their outward form is ultimately unique as a result of epigenetic differences. The two pieces are non-identical twins.In realising the bronze sculptures, the highly intricate and detailed digital forms are first materialised using a high-resolution Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) 3D printer. Subsequently, these positive forms are converted using more traditional lost-wax techniques into molds ready for casting. The workflow offers a viable, if not still laborious, process for capturing the unique forms of each artefact. The plinths above which the objects are embedded, are also derived via the genetic code and materialised in laminated timber via CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) milling.The sculptures have been exhibited at the Bridge Gallery in New York (2009) and the Venice Architecture Biennale (2012).",

keywords = "Algorithmic Design, Digital craft",

author = "Wes McGee and David Pigram and Iain Maxwell",

year = "2009",

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note = "Wild Childs ; Conference date: 07-09-2009",

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AU - McGee, Wes

AU - Pigram, David

AU - Maxwell, Iain

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N2 - SuperMatter consists of two sculptural artefacts materialised in bronze and an infinite catalogue of algorithmically generated digital possibilities. The work is created via a custom written genotype formation algorithm written in VBScript. As such, although both sculptures share the same underlying DNA and indeed many formal similarities, their outward form is ultimately unique as a result of epigenetic differences. The two pieces are non-identical twins.In realising the bronze sculptures, the highly intricate and detailed digital forms are first materialised using a high-resolution Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) 3D printer. Subsequently, these positive forms are converted using more traditional lost-wax techniques into molds ready for casting. The workflow offers a viable, if not still laborious, process for capturing the unique forms of each artefact. The plinths above which the objects are embedded, are also derived via the genetic code and materialised in laminated timber via CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) milling.The sculptures have been exhibited at the Bridge Gallery in New York (2009) and the Venice Architecture Biennale (2012).

AB - SuperMatter consists of two sculptural artefacts materialised in bronze and an infinite catalogue of algorithmically generated digital possibilities. The work is created via a custom written genotype formation algorithm written in VBScript. As such, although both sculptures share the same underlying DNA and indeed many formal similarities, their outward form is ultimately unique as a result of epigenetic differences. The two pieces are non-identical twins.In realising the bronze sculptures, the highly intricate and detailed digital forms are first materialised using a high-resolution Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) 3D printer. Subsequently, these positive forms are converted using more traditional lost-wax techniques into molds ready for casting. The workflow offers a viable, if not still laborious, process for capturing the unique forms of each artefact. The plinths above which the objects are embedded, are also derived via the genetic code and materialised in laminated timber via CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) milling.The sculptures have been exhibited at the Bridge Gallery in New York (2009) and the Venice Architecture Biennale (2012).

KW - Algorithmic Design

KW - Digital craft

M3 - Design

T2 - Wild Childs

Y2 - 7 September 2009

ER -

SuperMatter

Abstract

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