SPECIMEN
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Suspended in air, curious in its natural form and artificial in its existence, Specimen evokes a peculiar creature of irregular origins. Made of glass, the work is constructed through a process of free form catenary slumping. Each piece of the work is subjected to its own temperature and duration setting providing variation in curvature and detail throughout the entire project. Lit from above the curvatures of each piece reflect the simple custom fluorescent light embedded ceiling suspended overhead. The resultant is a kaleidoscope-like effect of its surrounds, daring light to move around the space in two layers of different grains of reflection. The work is placed in the old Nature’s Medley Hall of the old Public Museum surrounded by encased specimens of insects and plants. The glass cases of the abandoned specimens reflect the work as a whole multiplying the presence of Specimen within the space. Hovering, the visitor can walk around the work.
Specimen was removed, captured here in the film Specimen: Removed for Study.
Project Team:
Wes McGee of Matter Design Studio
Catie Newell of *Alibi Studio
Aaron Willette of Artforming
Grant Weaver
The amazing Curatorial Team and Venue: SiTE:LAB and the installation film they captured: install.
Specimen was supported by the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.