Alloy
installation/object, 2017, extruders, electronic driver, PLA, plywood
Alloy is a continuation of the deliberations on three-dimensional print, in which deconstruction of the process takes place. The final object, based on the basics of the technology and using its compound elements, entirely loses its functional meaning.
Only the two elements used for extruding material are extracted from the device [FDM printer] and posed opposite each other. Controlling the position was eliminated from the process, and the structure increase is based on variable physical factors. The lack of direct control over the movement of the print heads and their rigid attachment to the walls of the object eliminates the possibility of creating a strictly determined form. Control is limited to the most basic of functions, i.e. maintaining the proper temperature of the printing head and inducing the movement of the motor. The final shape, pace, variation and size of the elements are influenced by many factors: starting with the material, through fluctuations in the printing head temperature, to imperfections and deformities of the construction.
The process itself is accompanied by the sounds of stepper motors, the faint ticking of revolving cylinders, reminiscent of a dialogue between the machines. This impression is magnified by the observation of the extruded material, whose thin fibres intertwine, twist, glue together in order to collapse under their own weight to the base of the platform. At this moment the increment process begins anew.
A three-dimensional structure is being formed on the platform, consisting of many loosely stacked elements. The irregular, organic forms are being ordered by simple, definitely thinner fibres, being the effect of the stretching of the collapsing material. The potential for further growth can be felt. The composition opens up in all directions, evoking similarities to a biological form – a spawn, a cell or a plant. It strongly contrasts with the minimalistic, geometrical, technical context in which it is being created.
The premiere presentation took place during the “WAR” exhibition at The Contemporary Art Gallery “miejsce sztuki44” (ms44: curated by Andrzej Pawełczyk) at the 47th International Art Campus FAMA, Świnoujście in 2017.
