Paper Pals
2022
Steel, automotive paint
Price on request a signature work by Ben Pearce that transforms the ephemeral simplicity of origami into a large-scale, permanent sculpture. The series explores the intersection of memory and design, using the highly technical manipulation of steel and automotive paint to reactivate our inner child and allow our eyes to explore how light and shadow play on planes of folded colour.
The conceptual motivation behind creating these works emerged during the pandemic, when Pearce began making origami with his children. He quickly realised the sculptural potential of the art form and sought to create a suite of works that would bring joy after a turbulent time. He notes, "I wanted to create a suite of sculptures that brought joy after such a turbulent time."
The work delves into the duality of our experience: the sophisticated, geometric forms we design as adults versus the raw, imaginative structures we create as children. This tension is heightened by the materials; by using industrial steel, Pearce emphasizes the contrast between the material's permanence and the ephemeral nature of the memories and paper from which the form is derived.
He also finds duality in our relationship with animals: "I was also interested in this duality of how we relate to animals and how we project human characteristics onto them. We see ourselves as separate from them but it's nice to be reminded we are part of the animal kingdom."
stands as a nationally significant series, previously commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust for a large-scale public exhibition outside Te Papa Tongarewa.
Sited on the grassy expanse here at Brick Bay, the playful geometry of the forms creates a vibrant, unexpected conversation with the curve and colour of the landscape, reminding us of the simple pleasures to be found when we pause and look closely at the world.
Steel, automotive paint
Price on request a signature work by Ben Pearce that transforms the ephemeral simplicity of origami into a large-scale, permanent sculpture. The series explores the intersection of memory and design, using the highly technical manipulation of steel and automotive paint to reactivate our inner child and allow our eyes to explore how light and shadow play on planes of folded colour.
The conceptual motivation behind creating these works emerged during the pandemic, when Pearce began making origami with his children. He quickly realised the sculptural potential of the art form and sought to create a suite of works that would bring joy after a turbulent time. He notes, "I wanted to create a suite of sculptures that brought joy after such a turbulent time."
The work delves into the duality of our experience: the sophisticated, geometric forms we design as adults versus the raw, imaginative structures we create as children. This tension is heightened by the materials; by using industrial steel, Pearce emphasizes the contrast between the material's permanence and the ephemeral nature of the memories and paper from which the form is derived.
He also finds duality in our relationship with animals: "I was also interested in this duality of how we relate to animals and how we project human characteristics onto them. We see ourselves as separate from them but it's nice to be reminded we are part of the animal kingdom."
stands as a nationally significant series, previously commissioned by the Wellington Sculpture Trust for a large-scale public exhibition outside Te Papa Tongarewa.
Sited on the grassy expanse here at Brick Bay, the playful geometry of the forms creates a vibrant, unexpected conversation with the curve and colour of the landscape, reminding us of the simple pleasures to be found when we pause and look closely at the world.
- Store:
- The Glass House Brick Bay
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