PROJECTS 2008
Group Theory
Group Theory describes the mathematical discipline concerned with algebraic structures that assemble in various ways, according to basic axioms. Group Theory maintains that a simple set of rules, executed across generations of trials may produce many complex and distinct outcomes. Modules, male at one end and female at the other (like a button and a buttonhole), can join to a part identical to itself in four distinct ways. By scaling the part to include two male and two female ends, the possibilities for connection – also called "symmetries" – increase to sixteen. I produced these forms by creating a given number of parts and "playing out" a set of choices for their interconnection.
This is a reconfigurable sculpture made of 256 identical modules. Each module is handcrafted from birch plywood. The sculpture assembles without glue or fasteners.
This is a reconfigurable sculpture made of 256 identical modules. Each module is handcrafted from birch plywood. The sculpture assembles without glue or fasteners.
This reconfigurable sculpture is made of 192 identical, lacquered, plywood modules. Each module joins to the next without glue or fasteners.
This reconfigurable sculpture is made of 192 identical, lacquered, plywood modules. Each module joins to the next without glue or fasteners.
This reconfigurable sculpture is made of 192 identical, lacquered, plywood modules. Each module joins to the next without glue or fasteners.
This project started as a large poplar beam, which I cut into 24 slabs. I then cored out each slab, lacquered the inside and reassembled the pieces according to their original orientation. Each of the resulting, hollow pieces fits together to resemble the original beam.
This pair is made from 24 identical wool hats I found in an abandoned hat factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where I had a studio. I sewed the brims to form two identical dodecahedra: one has the crowns extended (like an “outie”), and the other has them retracted (like an “innie”.)
This pair is made from 24 identical wool hats I found in an abandoned hat factory in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where I had a studio. I sewed the brims to form two identical dodecahedra: one has the crowns extended (like an “outie”), and the other has them retracted (like an “innie”.)
This sculpture is an exemplar of a ‘false-endless’ system of modular construction. Unlike many of the other projects from Group Theory, which assemble harmoniously, this module generates multiple symmetry “errors” as it grows.
This sculpture is an exemplar of a ‘false-endless’ system of modular construction. Unlike many of the other projects from Group Theory, which assemble harmoniously, this module generates multiple symmetry “errors” as it grows.
