Brooklyn-based artist Juan Fontanive continues his investigation of kinetic sculpture and moving images with his most recent series, Vivarium A, Vivarium B, and Ornithology S. These whimsical works feature illustrations of birds and butterflies housed in painstakingly assembled mechanisms made from recycled bike and clock parts. Tiny motors within the sculptures allow the pictures to be flipped in a continuous loop.
Combining elements of drawing, painting, printmaking, film, and sculpture, Fontanive’s mechanized flipbooks evoke a deep sense of nostalgia. His images, with their arbitrarily changing vibrant colors, call to mind childhood coloring books, while the soothing hums and clicks of the pieces’ motors evoke old school film projectors. The rapidly flipping pages evoke the frenzied movement of the subjects they feature, causing the works to occupy a haunting space between the the natural and the mechanical.
Mechanized Flipbook Videos
This Brooklyn Artist Beautifully Brings Drawings to Life
Trend Themes
1. Kinetic Sculpture - The use of kinetic sculpture in art opens up opportunities for creating immersive and interactive experiences.
2. Mechanized Art - Exploring the integration of mechanical elements in art forms enables artists to challenge traditional boundaries and create visually captivating works.
3. Nostalgic Aesthetics - Incorporating nostalgic elements in creative works offers a unique way to connect with audiences and evoke sentimental emotions.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Sculpture - The art and sculpture industry can embrace the use of kinetic and mechanized techniques to push the boundaries of traditional art forms.
2. Entertainment and Experiential Marketing - Incorporating mechanized art installations can enhance the immersive experiences in entertainment venues and create engaging marketing activations.
3. Education and Museum Exhibits - Integrating mechanized flipbook videos in educational settings and museum exhibits can provide a dynamic and interactive learning experience.