"Not content with their individual successes, Ross and Si combined forces to develop a brand new body of work that experiments in the space between the artists’ respective disciplines in what they describe as 'part science, part human emotion'.
"Parallel is indeed a science experiment - and the show is as much analytical as it is a celebration of form and rich, vibrant colour."
M E T H O D
The network of lines and geometry left behind by an unfolded origami design is called a crease pattern. To create the artwork for Parallel, a selection of Ross' original origami designs were deconstructed to reveal these crease patterns left behind by the folding process.
The next step involved digitising the crease patterns and developing these into more complex illustrations using circular geometry to fill the spaces between the straight creases. Through strict execution of this method, the artists individual contributions can be easily deciphered in each completed piece. The straight lines are created using folds, and belong to Ross. The circles are added digitally after the sculpture is deconstructed, and these belong to Si.
The geometry of each two dimensional artwork was created to either a 32, 64, or 128 unit grid. As powers of two, these numbers symbolise greater creative output through collaboration. The numbers found in these grids are also common to MIDI notes (0-127). This is significant as it relates to the development of the work through the process of exploring this grid, as a musician would explore notes to achieve a harmonious arrangement.
T H E A R T W O R K
Each piece in the exhibition consists of 3 components. A plain white origami sculpture folded from of sumi-e calligraphy paper is accompanied by a printed tile of the crease pattern associated with that piece. These are displayed alongside a 1000mm x 1000mm illustrated artwork, giclée printed on watercolour paper.
ZEBRA
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Sculpture | Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e (Japanese ink wash) paper
RHINO
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Sculpture | Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e (Japanese ink wash) paper
UNICORN
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Sculpture | Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e (Japanese ink wash) paper
STANDING BULL
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Sculpture | Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e (Japanese ink wash) paper
BULL HEAD
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Sculpture | Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e (Japanese ink wash) paper
R E - F O L D E D O R I G A M I A R T W O R K
After creating the two dimensional artwork, the three most successful pieces were re-folded into a completely unique printed origami sculpture - the surfaces of which were covered by the 2D illustration.
As Ross prefers to fold with uncoated paper, the artworks were giclée printed multiple times to ensure a richness of colour that matched the two dimensional artworks in the rest of the collection. The artworks were then wet folded to prevent cracks and tears caused by the unusually thick layer of ink covering the media.
BULL HEAD
Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm.
RHINO
Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm.
UNICORN
Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm.
G O L D F O I L D R A W I N G S
Basic line art from the re-folded artwork was extracted and printed in gold toner on watercolour paper to draw attention to the geometry comprising the artwork. The intention was to draw the viewers eye to the geometric construction of the artwork in a different light - without the distraction of colour.
ZEBRA
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
RHINO
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
BULL HEAD
Illustration | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
B E H I N D T H E S C E N E S
T H E E X H I B I T I O N
The exhibition was held at Red Bull Studios in Cape Town during the monthly First Thursday culture evening in the CBD.
In true Red Bull Studios style, a hand picked selection of music augmented the experience. Guests were treated to a DJ set from Commonwealthy, an incredible live set by the ever eclectic Fever Trails, culminating in a surprise appearance by analog synth virtuosos Austrian Apparel.
C R E D I T S
Concept, Planning & Marketing Si Maclennan & Ross Symons
Illustration Si Maclennan
Origami Ross Symons
Event Photos Jono Ferreira (Red Bull Content Pool)
Behind The Scenes Photos Adam Mays
And a massive thank you to Red Bull Studios Cape Town
for their commitment to the success of this project!
