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Artist information:
Matthew Shlian
ann arbor, MI
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Matthew Shlian is showing at:
UICA UICA
41 Sheldon Boulevard SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Matthew Shlian
Artist bio: Matthew Shlian received his BFA from Alfred University in 2002, and his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2006. Currently he is teaching art and design and working with scientists as a visiting research scholar at the University of Michigan.
Artist statement: As a paper engineer my work is rooted in print media, book arts and commercial design. Beginning with an initial fold, a single action causes a transfer of energy to subsequent folds, which ultimately manifest in drawings and three dimensional forms. I use my engineering skills to create kinetic sculpture which have lead to collaborations with scientists at the University of Michigan. We work on the nanoscale, translating paper structures to micro origami. Our investigations extend to visualizing cellular division and solar cell development. Researchers see paper engineering as a metaphor for scientific principals; I see their inquiry as basis for artistic inspiration. In my studio I am a collaborator, explorer and inventor. I begin with a system of folding and at a particular moment the material takes over. Guided by wonder, my work is made because I cannot visualize its final realization; in this way I come to understanding through curiosity.
About the work:
Title: misfold

Art form: 3-D

Medium: paper

Year created: 2006

Description of work: 13 foot collapsible paper sculpture.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2_wx0GracY

Work statement: My work does not begin with hypothesis: it begins by asking questions about how form can generate movement, size can relate and affect the body, and what happens when these forms derived from biomimicry of virus structures, become life-size and inhale the surrounding space.
Technical details:
Work width: 120 inches
Work height: 180 inches
Work depth: 120 inches
Required venue ceiling: 240 inches
Required venue door height: n/a
Required venue door width: n/a
Required wall linear footage: n/a
Required venue square footage: 12 sq. ft.
Additional considerations:
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: Yes
Lighting needed: Yes
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: No
Indoor space needed: Yes
Outdoor space needed: No

Work Images

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Artist resume

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