‘Thixotropes’ is a kinetic sculpture that is comprised of a series of eight illuminated mechanised structures, each of them shaped as a composition of intersecting angular and geometric forms that are made of thin tensed steel banding lined with rows of LED’s.
The constructions continuously revolve around their own axis thereby materialising the path of the light and dissolving the spinning structures into compositions of aerial cones, spheres and ribbons of warm and cold light while giving life and shape to an immaterial construct.
‘Thixotropes’ combines Troika’s interest in art and science and stretches the boundaries of a long history of light painting photography that can be traced back to 1914 when Frank Gilbreth, along with his wife Lillian Moller Gilbreth, used small lights and the open shutter of a camera to track the motion of manufacturing and clerical workers.
Merging technology with their artistic practice, Troika’s kinetic sculptures explore the intersection of scientific thought, observation and human experience in a rational and rationalised world, and describes how logic and reason live in the presence of the metaphysical and surreal.
‘Thixotropes’ was commissioned by Selfridges London.
October 2011 – January 2012.
Editor’s Note:
Troika, the large scale digital architecture creators collective, has investigated the subtle balance between spaces, lights, and forms. “Thixotropes,” which is located in Selfridges, London, will light the department store during 2011 Christmas, and the year end. By the the scale and forms, it greatly immerses sublime emotion to the whole structure, and the space as well. Definitely one of the nicest Christmas present for Londoners.
Thixotropes
PICK OF THE WEEK #31
by Troika (London, UK)
‘Thixotropes’ is a kinetic sculpture that is comprised of a series of eight illuminated mechanised structures, each of them shaped as a composition of intersecting angular and geometric forms that are made of thin tensed steel banding lined with rows of LED’s.
The constructions continuously revolve around their own axis thereby materialising the path of the light and dissolving the spinning structures into compositions of aerial cones, spheres and ribbons of warm and cold light while giving life and shape to an immaterial construct.
‘Thixotropes’ combines Troika’s interest in art and science and stretches the boundaries of a long history of light painting photography that can be traced back to 1914 when Frank Gilbreth, along with his wife Lillian Moller Gilbreth, used small lights and the open shutter of a camera to track the motion of manufacturing and clerical workers.
Merging technology with their artistic practice, Troika’s kinetic sculptures explore the intersection of scientific thought, observation and human experience in a rational and rationalised world, and describes how logic and reason live in the presence of the metaphysical and surreal.
‘Thixotropes’ was commissioned by Selfridges London.
October 2011 – January 2012.
Editor’s Note:
Troika, the large scale digital architecture creators collective, has investigated the subtle balance between spaces, lights, and forms. “Thixotropes,” which is located in Selfridges, London, will light the department store during 2011 Christmas, and the year end. By the the scale and forms, it greatly immerses sublime emotion to the whole structure, and the space as well. Definitely one of the nicest Christmas present for Londoners.
Keywords :
kinetic sculpture, light design, geometric forms, consumed materials, LED.
Project Brief
Find out more about this piece in this article from the Creators Project.