Method
The network of lines and geometry left behind by an unfolded origami design is called a crease pattern. To create the artwork for Parallel, a selection of Ross' original origami designs were deconstructed to reveal these crease patterns left behind by the folding process.
The next step involved digitising the crease patterns and developing these into more complex illustrations using circular geometry to fill the spaces between the straight creases. Through strict execution of this method, the artists individual contributions can be easily deciphered in each completed piece. The straight lines are created using folds, and belong to Ross. The circles are added digitally after the sculpture is deconstructed, and these belong to Si.
The geometry of each two dimensional artwork was created to either a 32, 64, or 128 unit grid. As powers of two, these numbers symbolise greater creative output through collaboration. The numbers found in these grids are also common to MIDI notes (0-127). This is significant as it relates to the development of the work through the process of exploring this grid, as a musician would explore notes to achieve a harmonious arrangement.
The Artwork
Each piece in the exhibition consists of 3 components. A plain white origami sculpture folded from of sumi-e calligraphy paper is accompanied by a printed tile of the crease pattern associated with that piece. These are displayed alongside a 1000mm x 1000mm illustrated artwork, giclée printed on watercolour paper.
Zebra | Illustration: Archival giclée print 180gsm watercolour paper. Sculpture: Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e paper.
Rhino | Illustration: Archival giclée print 180gsm watercolour paper. Sculpture: Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e paper.
Unicorn | Illustration: Archival giclée print 180gsm watercolour paper. Sculpture: Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e paper.
Standing Bull | Illustration: Archival giclée print 180gsm watercolour paper. Sculpture: Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e paper.
Bull Head | Illustration: Archival giclée print 180gsm watercolour paper. Sculpture: Uncoated 80gsm sumi-e paper.
Re-Folded Origami Artwork
After creating the two dimensional artwork, the three most successful pieces were re-folded into a completely unique printed origami sculpture - the surfaces of which were covered by the 2D illustration.
As Ross prefers to fold with uncoated paper, the artworks were giclée printed multiple times to ensure a richness of colour that matched the two dimensional artworks in the rest of the collection. The artworks were then wet folded to prevent cracks and tears caused by the unusually thick layer of ink covering the media.
Bull Head | Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm.
Rhino | Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm
Unicorn | Giclée printed origami sculpture using Fabriano 80gsm.
Gold Foil Drawings
Basic line art from the re-folded artwork was extracted and printed in gold toner on watercolour paper to draw attention to the geometry comprising the artwork. The intention was to draw the viewers eye to the geometric construction of the artwork in a different light - without the distraction of colour.
Zebra | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Rhino | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
Bull Head | Archival giclée print on 180gsm watercolour paper
The Exhibition
The exhibition was held at Red Bull Studios in Cape Town during the monthly First Thursday art and culture event in the CBD. We invited a selection of musicians to augment the experience. Guests enjoyed a DJ set from Commonwealthy, an eclectic live set by Fever Trails and a surprise appearance by analog hardware virtuosos Austrian Apparel.
Credits
Illustration Si Maclennan
Origami Ross Symons
Origami Ross Symons
Event Photos Jono Ferreira (Red Bull Content Pool)
Behind The Scenes Photos Adam Mays
Behind The Scenes Photos Adam Mays
A massive thank you to Red Bull Studios Cape Town for their commitment to the success of this project!