Hanging Sculpture, Art Installation
As a culmination of the butterfly project, I created this paper-cut sculpture to represent the form of my butterfly. I was heavily inspired by Alexander Calder’s mobiles, and how their simple shapes represented motion. Built at the alcove in CMU’s Maggie Moe (Design) building, the sculpture activates the window space, while people climb the stairs.
1 Week
Course:
Studio Design, Fall 2023
Role:
Individual
Tools:
Cardstock paper, fishing wire, tape
This installation aims to express the dynamic form of the Helen Swallowtail. Located at the window, the sculpture suggests that the butterfly is about to escape through! As visitors walk up the stairs, they can see the butterfly fade in and out of form, blended with the arches of Margaret Morrison outside.
Process:
I wanted my final piece to be an interactive representation of the butterfly. I hope to make an installation piece that changes interpretation/shape depending on the position and perspective of the audience.
To get a better feel for how each piece should hang in the space, I fabricated a wooden frame draft.
I also figured out where I should secure the fishing wire to support the paper structure.
While working in the actual physical space, a lot of decisions were made spontaneously, as I realized that I could not plan everything on the smaller model.
Assembly at the alcove:
The entire process of physically constructing took around 4 days. Building at the staircase was a thrilling yet rewarding experience!
Final Results!!: