Relativistic Objects is a finalist project in the 14th edition of the Arte Laguna Prize 2020 , are included in the Google Art and Culture selection, and are currently exhibited in ‘The Lost Place’, a VR experience designed by ArtefattoStudio and promoted by Movimento Club. The exhibition has been longlisted for the Dezeen Award 2020 in the ‘Exhibition’ category.
RELATIVISTIC OBJECTS
Artificial light allowed us to stretch our perception of time from a sum of finite instants into an unrealistic continuum.
We became immortal, projected towards great life achievements, blind to the fugacity of our existence.
We abandoned our circadian rhythm for a digital pace of life.
We became immortal, projected towards great life achievements, blind to the fugacity of our existence.
We abandoned our circadian rhythm for a digital pace of life.
This project challenges contemporary behaviours and life habits related to the way we conceive and perceive the passing of time.
These objects speak to anyone interested in redefining the way we approach and experience our lives.
A cutting age research by Doctors Marc Howard and Karthik Shankar demonstrates how our neurons understand time in relation to physical experiences.This project translates into a practical exercise an activity our brain is gradually repressing because excessively relying of digital devices. Missing a sensorial experience of time has affected our ability to fix memories and our self-consciousness.
Relativistic Objects are time visualisers. They don’t exist to measure time but for us to re-learn how to be aware of its passing by experiencing it through a visual representation of physical phenomena like gravity, the movement of celestial bodies, friction, phase transitions.
Inspired by ancient devices of the XIV century like sundials and navigation tools which performance and precision used to rely totally on natural events and cycles, each piece is symbolically linked with one of the four natural elements:
Air. A horizontally suspended candle, with two opposite wicks on both extremities lighted at the same time will start oscillating in a rhythmic motion due to the incremental wax loss from its main body.
Earth. The magnesium mineral on the candle wick, being a natural fire starter, prevents anyone from extinguishing the flame and imposes the time of the candle to the user.
Fire. The candle placed in the middle of the plate is characterised by three wicks, each one corresponding to one of the three magnifying glasses of the structure. This object interacts with the environment through the sun. The focal point of each lens is placed in the direction of each of the candle’s wicks - when the sunbeams intercept the focal points of the lenses they intensify the power of the light, increasing the temperature in that point and lighting up the wicks
Inspired by ancient devices of the XIV century like sundials and navigation tools which performance and precision used to rely totally on natural events and cycles, each piece is symbolically linked with one of the four natural elements:
Water. Once melt, the beeswax candle in the brass tube, will fall in the glass container filled with water positioned right underneath. The liquid wax falling from that height will rapidly change phase when in contact with water, freezing time in a unique amorphous shape.
Air. A horizontally suspended candle, with two opposite wicks on both extremities lighted at the same time will start oscillating in a rhythmic motion due to the incremental wax loss from its main body.
Earth. The magnesium mineral on the candle wick, being a natural fire starter, prevents anyone from extinguishing the flame and imposes the time of the candle to the user.
Fire. The candle placed in the middle of the plate is characterised by three wicks, each one corresponding to one of the three magnifying glasses of the structure. This object interacts with the environment through the sun. The focal point of each lens is placed in the direction of each of the candle’s wicks - when the sunbeams intercept the focal points of the lenses they intensify the power of the light, increasing the temperature in that point and lighting up the wicks
• Fire.
• Air.
• Earth.
• Water.
Material Research
- My research started with a material exploration on wax and candles, questioning past and present meanings and functionalities of candles. I’ve identified peculiar cultural application of wax and archaic methods to visualise time passing. Explored the cultural meaning of time, and its understanding throughout history and geography. Investigated the concept of time in classical philosophy and general relativity, this last one defines time, not as a standard interval, but as a dynamic, malleable entity always relative to the physical matter it interacts with.
Facts
2020 - ‘Relativistic Objects’ are on Google Art and Culture
2020 - DUTCH DESIGN WEEK _THE NEW INTIMACY_ Relativistic Objects included in the “Contemporary Icons” virtual tour. Curated by Dutch Design Fundation, endorsed by Design Milk. • Relativistic Objects included in the “Brave New Talents” virtual tour. Curated by Domus.