zhoujie zhang: the mashing mesh series for gallery ALL

zhoujie zhang models the mashing mesh series from digital algorithms
(above) mashing mesh #1, 2016
304 stainless steel | 250w × 80d x 18h cm, (98.5 × 31.5 × 7 in)
all images courtesy of gallery ALL

for more than two years, chinese designer zhoujie zhang has been working on the ‘mashing mesh’ series — a collection of furniture and installation objects informed by digital graphics and computer-based technologies. the five pieces simulate the dynamic and ever-changing qualities of water using the characteristics of mesh, the basic computer graphic language. calculated by a program developed by zhang himself, ‘mashing mesh’ reproduces both the static and dynamic condition of water. the possibility of outcomes is unlimited and unpredictable, just as the inherent nature of water. the forms have been realized as the result of precise metal cutting, manual bending, and polishing.

detail of ‘mashing mesh #1’

the first ‘mesh’ series comprises five wall installations — one rectangular and four square — the surfaces of which are connected by interlocking triangular pieces. while they are easily displayed on a computer screen, it took zhang a thorough investigation to eventually realize the digital patterns as real objects. ‘every single piece is bent manually and accomplished by detailed polishing,’ he explains. ‘the process of metal cutting and manual bending defines the quality as well as the uniqueness of each work. the reflection of light and shadow in different environments and different angles further adds to the unpredictability of each design.’

detail of ‘mashing mesh #1’

the series forms part of zhang’s ongoing research and exploration of parametric design. the project began with computer programming and the creation of an interface, which could generate an unlimited number of shapes without human interference. with the deepening of this knowledge in computer language and algorithm, zhang began to apply his research to furniture and later debuted design collections. one of his best known series — ‘triangulation‘ — originated from his study of ‘mesh smooth’, a commonly used command in 3D max programming.

gallery ALL presents the ‘mashing mesh’ series at collective design fair in new york from may 4 — 8, 2016.

the collection of design objects are informed by digital graphics