Client: Burning Man

Overview

Constellation of One : Acrylic and chrome mirror, glass, plywood 12' x 12' x 10.75' (tetrahedral structure)

Process

This was my first large-scale artwork. First, I created small models of the intended structure, a "great stellated dodecahedron". From these, I concluded that a more inherently stable structure, such as a tetrahedron, would be a better suited for a first sculpture in a highly public environment. Using the updated tetrahedral model, I mapped out the mirror patterns in an artistic interpretation of fractal connections using existing material dimensions (convex mirrors come in limited sizes). I also joined in a woodworking course and had specific tool usage lessons from three different carpenters. During the hands-on construction phase, I measured everything, then my partner and I worked by ourselves for the first 3 weeks, and later in the last week, we were joined by 4 more people for final prep. We packed and installed it as as team ourselves in the desert, using only hand tools and ladders.

Additional Information

My original vision for "Constellation of One" was that it be made entirely of mirror-polished stainless steel. This was realized in the 2017 version, commissioned by the National Arts Council for Singapore Art Week and the "Lock Route" exhibition, curated by Khai Hori of Palais de Tokyo.