A Solution
The end of first year Visual Arts Practice is celebrated with an exhibition presented by the students. It is here they display a piece of work showcasing the results of a 12-week project, learning and developing in their chosen field.
In a project synopsis given by lecturers, students were directed towards the themes of light, space, structure, movement and time, but were not limited. The student I worked alongside, Cian O Ruanaidh, seemed to draw on a number of these, rather than one exclusively. The final piece can be described as a kinetic sculpture.
Cian began this project by experimenting with tension, weight, balance and surface tension on both big and small scales. He began to test the point of criticality in his structures by pushing them towards breaking point.
From Cian
Through this experimentation he started to see what structures and procedures worked best. He has said himself that the easiest and most natural way for him to learn and discover is to observe and experiment. He describes that going through processes is much more beneficial to him than beginning with a plan. By troubleshooting a problem and rectifying it, a conclusion could be drawn. For the first few weeks, many structures incorporated string, heavy weights and cardboard. Following on from this were larger pieces in a similar vein.
From Cian
As a continuation, Cian started to experiment with surface tension. He began by placing water on coins and seeing how much they could withstand. Small wire shapes were also used. From this, he switched to the tops of pins and proceeded to create minute structures. Though the structures looked delicate and dainty they were found to withhold much intervention before collapsing, or going beyond their point of criticality.
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| From Cian |
Due to a restriction in scale, Cian began to move away from the water and surface tension, going back to weights and pieces of board.
From Cian
In this way, the structures became more elaborate, yet less dense. He was using thinner wood and nails to create. It is here that the idea of kinetic sculpture really comes into play. Completely unsupported, the pieces Cian was making were freestanding and able to move with little intervention. Through this method of working, one can begin to see the influence of kinetic artists, such as Fischli & Weiss and Jean Tingley.
The final instillation is a composition of the earlier experimentation in his work, resulting in interconnecting elements in a defined space.
Metaphorically speaking, the point of criticality can be a reflection of life. We are forced to hide emotion and trudge on with daily struggle. There are things that will push one to the edge, or indeed, their point of criticality, before we must retreat and begin again. Forever leaning towards breaking point, it is things on the outside that can send us there. The finished sculpture reflects how even a breeze can send something spiraling.
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