Page 44 - 3DA Mag N° February2018 -EN+

CREA

VESPERS,

NERI OXMAN’S SERIES OF 3D PRINTED DEATH MASK

“Vespers is the most sophisticated expression of our design approach so far, demonstrating
that we can seamlessly vary the physical properties of materials in extremely high resolution
that matches, and ultimately transcends, the scales of nature.”

Neri Oxman has collaborated with Stratasys to design a conversation about past, present and future, delving
and 3D printed a series of death masks showcased at into a psychological and cultural relationship to death
the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, Australia. and adornment, while speculating on the capacity of
The museum hosts the ‘NGV Triennial 2017′ exhibition 3D printing to create, at a cellular level, new materials,
until 15 April 2018 – where the death masks will premiere. medicines, and technologies that draw from nature and
in-depth design research.
The NGV Triennial celebrates contemporary art and
design practices, highlighting the work of over 100 In other terms, VESPERS would lay emphasis on the
artists and designers from 32 countries. These works themes of ancient traditions and future technologies
present the art of creators such as from Yayoi Kusama, and, bring out the preservation of both cultural and
Xu Zhen, Guo Pei, Ron Mueck and Iris van Herpen. biological life. Furthermore, with what it portrays and
the way it has been manufactured, the collection is
Selected for their diversity and dynamism of practice, now part of Stratasys’ The New Ancient, a 3D printed
these authors embraced technologies, from 3D art and design collection.
printing to robotics. Highlighting some of the pressing
issues being explored by artists and designers today, Vespers balances the dichotomy between the tribal
visitors will have an opportunity to contemplate the crafted indigenous qualities with the bio technological
social, cultural, scientific and physiological questions advancement.
of our contemporary world.
The manufacturing
VESPERS
One of the primary sub-series of the Vespers collection,
“For a Triennial that sets out to explore the interface entitled ‘Past’, looks at historic origins, exploring life
between art, design, architecture, science, ecology through the lens of death. Inspired by ancient masks,
and technology – Neri Oxman’s work could not be more this sub-series makes use of five material combinations
fitting,” comments Ewan McEoin, Senior Curator of to emulate colors commonly found in cultural artefacts
Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National across regions and eras, with impressive accuracy.
Gallery of Victoria. By using Stratasys’ J750 full-color and transparent
multi-material 3D printing technology, Oxman’s team
For the Senior Curator, the 15 complex objects combine

Magazine / February 2018