Eyal Gever Captures Moments of Amazement in Massive, 3D-Printed Sculptures

Piece of Ocean, 2014. Images courtesy of Eyal Gever

This article was originally published on November 26, 2014 but we think it still rocks!

Eyal Gever has 3D printed the undulating surface of the ocean—or at least a 996 x 796 millimeter chunk of it. Created using the largest 3D printer, this and three additional monumental sculptural works, of a sphere balloon in mid-explosion, a waterfall about to hit the ground, and the impact of two trucks as they collide into each other, debuted at the EuroMold conference in Frankfurt, Germany. The works are part of a lifelong exploration into capturing moments of amazement, awe, terror, and astonishment in physical formations.

“I’ve created my own kind of high speed digital camera,” Gever tells The Creators Project. “3D printing is a vital part of my palette.” Gever weaves algorithmic simulations of epic and extreme events, and then 3D prints them. In this way, he explains,viewers can find themselves before manifestations of situations that don't hold physical form. Sphere Pop captures the human experience of surprise along with all the anticipation leading up to when it bursts. For him, using code and 3D printing is a way to bring into being things that no hands could shape. “No human could ever sculpt a waterfall,” he says, referring to his Waterfall sculpture, “it’s too intricate.”

On another level, the works that are a part of the Sublime Moments exhibition are about his own personal sublimation. “I’m trying to cope with what’s happening around me,” he says. “I’m trying to investigate current events on a micro-level by simulating it and extracting what’s beautiful. Like a surgeon.” His art reflects news coverage of war, terror, and violence as well as the catastrophic and unpredictable power of nature. Waterfall with its black cascading water could be read as a work about oil and pollution, or as the sheer power of gravity pulling the water to the ground.

Gever believes the simulation is more important than the final piece because within it lies the scenario, the context, and the narrative. The magic happens when the viewer sees the piece in motion. “This is when you, the viewer, are invited to investigate the moment, and be a part of the moment,” he says.

Currently, Gever is collaborating with NASA to 3D print art in space. Earlier this week, the 3D printer at the International Space Station printed its first part, a monumental milestone for future generations. Stay tuned to The Creators Project for more exclusive news on Eyal Gever’s work.

Learn more about the artist here.

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