EXtrace 3D prints clay sculptures using internet node data

EXtrace 3D prints clay sculptures using internet node data
all images courtesy of vincent brinkmann

germany-based artists vincent brinkmann and jan sengstake’s ‘EXtrace’ is an apparatus that 3D prints clay sculptures using collected data from the world’s biggest internet node. the installation symbolically and physically reflects the shift in modern methods of communication, combining contemporary telecommunication technologies with one of the first storage medium, the clay plate. as an input, ‘EXtrace’ uses a 2-day chart of the upcoming data transfer that feeds through the DE-CIX internet node located in frankfurt, germany. this rapid data flow breaks the 2500 gigabit per second mark and stands for a widely connected, fast paced and ubiquitous network of today’s communication.

the installation comprises a metal frame with a mount for a cylindrical extruder of the clay mineral. the clay located in the within the cylinder is applied with the aid of compressed air through a thin nozzle on a circular-shaped mirror. the values collected from the DE-CIX program control the 3 directions of the motorized mirror, based on an arduino motor control shield. ‘our main interest was to reflect how our communication ways work and what the key elements are‘ the artists explain. ‘this concept and the interest in 3d printing, setting up art installations and sculpturing are the base of this work’.

the EXtrace apparatus

from above 

clay cylinder and nozzle

a clay sculpture situated on the motorized mirror

part of the clay sculpture result

the forms have been modeled from internet data
 

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.