Filament Sculptures emerged from a 10-month-long artistic research project exploring the unconventional capabilities of a 3D printer. By developing custom software to control the printer’s movement in all three axes simultaneously, LIA created a new form of sculpture native to the medium.
The process allows the filament to flow and self-organize within defined parameters, creating a dynamic interplay between controlled construction and free-form emergence. The resulting objects have surfaces that range from smooth to chaotic and lines that shift from rigid to organic.
This innovative project earned an Honorable Mention at the Share Prize in Torino, Italy, and has been featured in numerous major international exhibitions, including at the NAU Art Museum in Arizona and Viennafair.
Exhibition at NAU Art Museum, Arizona (2016)
Exhibition at Viennafair, Vienna (2015)
A Moment with a Pioneer: ‘Serendipität’ in Linz
The exhibition ‘Serendipität: Kunst zwischen Programm und Zufall’ in Linz, Austria, was a landmark show that brought together the foundational pioneers of computer art with contemporary practitioners. LIA was exhibited alongside a historic group of artists including Vera Molnar, Herbert W. Franke, Zdeněk Sýkora, Peter Kogler, and Gerwald Rockenschaub.
Generative art pioneer Herbert W. Franke being interviewed in front of LIA’s ‘Filament Sculptures’ during the exhibition. A profound honor.
The Research Process
The entire 10-month research and development process for the Filament Sculptures, including extensive tests and notes, is documented as an open artist’s archive.
Project Details
Year Created: 2013–2015
Medium: Generative Physical Sculptures (3D Printer, G-Code, ABS Filament)
Awards & Key Exhibitions
Honorable Mention, Share Prize, Torino, Italy (2015)
NAU Art Museum, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA (‘Mind 2 Machine 2 Material’, 2016)
Viennafair, Vienna, Austria (‘Kínēsis’, 2015)
Curator: Angela Stief
Temporäre Halle für Kunst, Linz, Austria (‘Serendipität’, 2015)
Curator: Angela Stief
K11 Art Mall, Hong Kong, China (‘ART.FAB.LAB’, 2015)
Zebrastraat, Ghent, Belgium (New Technological Art Award, 2014)
‘Serendipität’ was exhibited alongside artists including: Vera Molnar, Herbert W. Franke, Zdeněk Sýkora, Peter Kogler, and Gerwald Rockenschaub.
‘Kínēsis’ was exhibited alongside artists including: Julio Le Parc, Heinz Mack, François Morellet, Peter Kogler, Brigitte Kowanz, and others.
Video Credits
Music: “Notebook (piano52project, week 12)” by Richard P. John, licensed under Creative Commons.
Titles: Miguel Carvalhais.
