Sep 16, 2015 | By Kira
Keith Brown is one of the most renowned and foremost digital sculptors currently working, and is considered one of the earliest adopters of 3D printing technologies within the world of fine arts. His latest work utilizes the full-colour technology of Mcor 3D printers to create mind-bending 3D creations that go beyond what is possible in photographic or 2D forms.
Currently a Professor of Sculpture and Digital Technologies at the Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, UK, Brown’s decades-long body of work embraces a wide range of digital technologies, including CAD modeling and 2D, 3D, and 4D representations. Through exploration, experimentation, and a strong sense of intuition, lives in the world of cyberrealism, striving to go beyond the purely physical into a realm where creativity is free of the laws of physics. “3D printing is ideal for producing meaningful works of art and scultpture that can’t be produced in any other way,” said the artist. “You can articulate geometry and form in a way that transcends physical form.”
For this project, Brown applied 2D photographic imagery onto a 3D model, forcing a juxtaposition between the two dimensions as they visually disrupt one another. In the next stage, he experimented with projecting full-colour imagery onto a digital model, capturing a TIF image of the projection, and then applying that image onto a 3D form. Finally, that model is 3D printed in collaboration with Mcor to achieve the purest, most vivid colors possible. “You can’t comprehend these objects photographically,” said the artist. “The image and object become inseperable and can only be truly experienced as a full-colour 3D print. The work could not be conceived of or manufactured by any other means.”
Brown’s exploratory and pioneering use of 3D printing technology in his digital sculptures is a result of his long-held belief that 3D printing gives artists opportunities that simply do not exist with other mediums, and there will soon be a massive take-up of 3D printing in fine arts. While he acknowledges that a major setback for most artists is the steep learning curve it takes to master CAD, the influx of inexpensive hardware, software, and 3D printing accessories is making it possible for more and more artists, particularly of the younger generation, to experiment and create.
Professor Keith Brown, right, shown with one of his creations. Image via Hobs Studio
This isn’t the first time he has worked with Mcor 3D printers, either. A few years ago, Brown used an Mcor Matrix model—which uses ordinary business-A4/letter paper as the build material—to create “Journey to the Centre,” an organic, endless sculpture that he finished with boot polish to create a highly-textured, leather-like appearance. In addition to being highly durable and tactile, the material used in Mcor 3D printers is self-supporting, enabling the kinds of unique geometric forms that Brown creates without the need for unsightly supports.
Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 1975 with an MA in Sculpture, Brown has gone on to win several prestigious fellowships, contribute to international symposia and exhibitions on digital art, and has been awarded a personal chair as a Research Professor in Sculpture and Digital Technologies. Given his wealth of experience and knowledge, he is a leading voice in 3D printing in fine arts, and we hope he not only continues to grow his body of 3D printed work, but to inspire young, up-and-coming artists to do the same.
To see how Mcor is revolutionizing full-colour 3D printing, check out this video featuring CEO Conor MacCormack:
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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I like the photo of Edmund Keefe with the professor.
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