Artists Using Stratasys 3D Printers Highlighted in Paris Exhibit: Printing the World | Imprimer le Monde

As Stratasys announces that several of its 3D printed collections will be presented at the highly anticipated ‘Printing the World | Imprimer le Monde’ exhibition in Paris, some may be surprised to see the manufacturer of industrial 3D printers melding with the art world. This certainly isn’t the first time though, as Stratasys heartily embraces artists from around the world who enjoy using and experimenting with their printers.

In the recent past they have shown off the work of other creatives working with their printers, such as Belgian artist Nick Ervinck and Jose Sanchez. Stratasys has also been behind other exhibitions, a tutorial for 3D printing lithophanes, and far more. Now, the Paris exhibit will be showing off the following work:

• ‘Vespers’ by Neri Oxman
• ‘BC – AD’ by Dov Ganchrow and Ami Drach
• ‘Descendants’ by Daniel Widrig

The show is to be held at Centre Pompidou, with the idea of pulling together numerous creative visionaries such as artists, designers, and architects. They are all seen as pioneers in exploring 3D printing in their fields.

One of the 3D printed masks from ‘Vespers,’ by Neri Oxman. [Image: Yoram Reshef]

“Digital technologies such as 3D printing have revolutionized design and production, transforming the practice of architects, designers and artists,” explains Naomi Kaempfer, Creative Director of Art Fashion Design at Stratasys. “Nevertheless, the origins of 3D design can be traced as far back as the late 19th century with the invention of the photo-sculpture – the first attempt at 3D photographic reproduction. As innovators continued to pioneer 3D production throughout the ages, today designers and architects work on programming languages and are directly involved in production.”

‘Printing the World | Imprimer le Monde’ will feature over 30 artists typifying digital materiality.

Neri Oxman is an artist we’ve followed a great deal, most recently for her death masks, featured in ‘Vespers.’ The masks debuted last year as part of ‘The New Ancient’ collection for Stratasys, offering a strong focus on nature and its complexities. The collection is divided into the past, present, and future—with one death mask for each at the upcoming Pompidou exhibit. Oxman used PolyJet 3D printing technology to complete the artworks, taking advantage of being able to use color and a variety of different materials. The ‘Future’ subseries is even more unique, created with synthetic biology.

‘Handle Number 8’ by Dov Ganchrow and Ami Drach

In ‘BC – AD,’ Ganchrow and Drach emphasize simple designs that are aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. We’ve taken a look at their work in the past, too. The objects on exhibit are flint Stone Age tools, re-created through traditional methods and then accentuated with 3D printed axe handles. PolyJet 3D printing was used here too.

For ‘Descendants,’ which Stratasys dedicated an exhibit to in 2015, Widrig explores a theme that is common today, especially in the sci-fi and technology realm: artificial intelligence. Looking into the aesthetics and texture of synthetic bodies, Widrig scanned human figures of both sexes and then created 3D printed humanoid forms.

From ‘Descendants,’ by Daniel Widrig.

With the Stratasys 3D printer, Widrig was able to use a range of colors and materials—resulting in 3D works that are life size. He expects that with 3D printing, ‘the concept of a post-human era of non-biological intelligence is now much more conceivable.’

“We are proud to be part of ‘Printing the World’ at the Pompidou, celebrating the multitude of possibilities achievable within art and design with 3D printing,” said Kaempfer. “The exhibition allows the audience to re-evaluate the role of artist/creator, and opens up new ways of thinking when it comes to production. We encourage visitors to explore our diverse 3D printed collaborations on display and share our excitement over the significance of the technology to disrupt traditional design.”

Discuss in the Stratasys forum at 3DPB.com.