Ego

2020
Woven kinetic sculpture
Japanese fluorocarbon, robotics
9m x 4.5m x 4.5m (L x W x H)

Ego is a time-based kinetic sculpture, in our signature block form. It represents the rigidness of our man-made systems and how they can become fluid or even collapse. Representing how our hopes, truths, and emotions are a direct result of the rigidness or fluidity of the mind.

A massive woven block, made of more than 16km of hair-thin Japanese fluorocarbon, controlled by motors, allowing the artists to animate and choreograph it. There has never been a block this size woven before, therefore the artists created their own weaving loom. Softwares and algorithms were developed to allow a puppeteer to control each and every move of the block.

Transforming between natural and non-natural states, it gives the viewer a sense of perspective that they can relate to but also shows its vulnerability at the same time. A seemingly rigid shape expressing feelings and emotions, strengths and weaknesses of human perspectives. 

Ego was originally developed for Monteverdi’s Opera L’Orfeo (1608), to be premiered in January 2020, and is a co-production with the Dutch Travel Opera house. Together with director Monique Wagemakers and choreographer Nanine Linning, giving the oldest opera, with modern cutting edge technology.

Currently on view at CCBB São Paolo, Brazil.

Read more:
DRIFT – Reisopera
ART news – PACE Live, New York