Tech Objects Sculpted From Foam, Paper And Glue

Do these printers, copiers, and video game machines look a little weird to you? There’s something flimsy and toy-like about them that reminds us of craft time in grade school. If you’re on the same page, you can give yourself a 10/10 for observation because these technological marvels are in fact made from your favorite craft-hour favorites—foam, paper and glue.

The sculptures are part of visual artist Ben Bunch’s new show Twenty-First Century Freemasonry, opening soon at The Proposition in New York. The works reference different types of technology—sometimes mashing together elements of different machines or gutting them to display the colorful innards of their internal systems—and though the materials are simple, the artistry with which these sculptures are created is anything but.

Bunch states in the press release, “The works often reference technology but they are not about technology. Rather, they are about the energy and focus that is concentrated in the gesture of building them up. The imagery of the pieces is more a vessel to carry a mood about these frozen and isolated objects. I want them to feel akin to idols or cult-like objects emanating an uneasy power of the inanimate.”

And they do seem to exude an uncanny aura. It seems the esoteric is another aspect to the work—as the title gives away, Freemasonry was an inspiration for the show, specifically the “Masonic impulse to influence and shape their environment”. All good, as long as you don’t have to do a secret handshake to gain entry.

The show runs from January 21 – February 26, 2012.

Images: © Ben Bunch