The geometry of shadows

Gabrielle Hoad: The Geometry of Air (2012)
Near Broadhembury, Devon 12.20.30 – 12.51.55 UTC 22/10/2011
Laser-sintered nylon mounted on Perspex (Installation view)

'Neoreplicants', the result of the Exeter Phoenix Digital Art Commission 2012, is now open. This project gave 30 artists the opportunity to work with the Centre for Additive Layer Manufacturing (CALM) at Exeter University.

I used the process to make a three-dimensional scale representation of a 30-minute glider flight. GPS readings of altitude, latitude and longitude taken during the flight were transcribed into a digital model, from which a 3D scale-model has been fabricated. The air above and below the flight path was represented as solids.

I decided to install the top part of my model and hang it from a Perspex shelf set slightly above eye height. This helps it to read as flight and has the unexpected benefit of casting a particularly beautiful shadow.

'Neoreplicants' - Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS
Friday 16 November 2012 - Sat 19 January 2013
Featuring the work of 30 Southwest Artists including Catherine Cartwright, Mat Chivers, Sam Cook, Katy Connor, Maia Conran, Paul Channing, Susie David, Nick Davies, Robin Duttson, Gabrielle Hoad, Nicola Jaberi, Debbie Locke, Stephen Monger, Helen Snell, Michael Werbicki, Nicci Wonnacot.