benjamin shine forms tulle into sculptural fabric portraits in the dance

benjamin shine forms tulle into sculptural fabric portraits in the dance
all images courtesy of developing agents

from a small, white vessel bursts forth a plume of colored tulle, reaching high into the air and engulfing the ceiling above. from the cloud emerges two faces, male and female, which quickly dissolve back into the fluid mass above. just as suddenly, the translucent forms reappear, moving fluidly in a choreographed exhibition of brief, yet powerful creative energy. the latest installation by benjamin shine, ‘the dance’ explores ideas of impermanence and the fleeting moment, which are conveyed through the inherent qualities of delicate tulle material.
 

the installation hangs from the ceiling and is back-lit 

‘the idea that we are formed from creation and have the unique ability to also create is fascinating and mysterious to me,’ says shine. ‘this installation aims to evoke that sense of flow and momentum.’ constructed from over 2000 meters of tulle, each sculptural detail is made by hand in processes including pleating, layering, compacting, and sewing. ‘the dance’ relies on the structural properties of the material alone, and asides from thread, has no other components. details are only revealed through contrast created by strong back lights that flow through the layers. the work was commissioned by the canberra centre complex in canberra, australia and is the first project completed as part of a new initiative that showcases artists through large-scale, sight-specific exhibitions. ‘the dance’ is on display until january 2016. 

the source releases creative energy 

detail of female face

detail of male face 

dancing figures take form within the flowing tulle

figures frozen within the fabric

tulle foot and leg structure 

a visitor at the exhibition 

colors and densities come together to form each unique individual 

detail of tulle dancers

exhibition at canberra centre, australia

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom