magnets and ferromagnetic elements are exploited to suspend plastics, polystyrene and acrylic tubing.
using strong neodymium “rare earth” magnets I have been arranging and hanging various items to produce sculptural forms. plastic and acrylic have been employed to disguise and disrupt the perception of magnetism associated with metal. i have also painted polystyrene balls with magnetite powder so that they can be lifted by a magnet and add confusion over a perceived density and weight.
alongside the minimalist chrome look of stainless steel; rods, ball bearings, a plumb bob and the magnets; I have added iron filings and ferromagnetic pigment. This monochrome palette has been further compounded with black plastic cable ties and the blackest black paint.
inadvertently, a slick visual “bachelor pad” aesthetic was created. This raised internal questions over the feel of the work. additionally I have been asking myself if I’m not just producing yet another minimalist sculpture, such as those below.
jesus rafael soto nebuo sekine
however, my ventures into these realms are more concerned with discovering what the materials are capable of, what are their limits; how far can I push the precariousness of suspension; how can I utilise their inherent force, their movement and magnetic push and pull to create kinetic works. I tip my hat to minimalism and forge forward.