LUMINAIRESECTIONING

Its mostly about consumption within a capitalist food system. Plastic preserves sugar, one of the cheapest, the most addicting, and most profitable of food inputs, partially responsible for a myriad of global crises. A blue light guides many emotions with sugar production and consumption, ranging from: appreciation, addiction, and hatred. Small sacks of colored latex balloons are filled with sugar. Is it an object? Is it alive? Is it food?

When we see food in a variety of colors we suspend disbelief on its authenticity as a result of food dye and artificial ingredients. Turning fantasy into reality is in producing value. Is grape-flavored candy designed to confuse us by tasting or looking like something in which it is not?

This object is an experimentation of light and form to understand consumption and ultimately asks if there is a deeper subtext with the way in which corporate establishments operate.

SUGAR CAPITAL

The cardboard luminaire skeleton was created as a 3D model in Maya, deconstructed into interlocking slices in 123D-Make, and cut using a Laser cutter. Exploring the process of “sectioning” to articulate volume and void through a light source and 3D model, the object functions as a sculpture and luminaire. Additional materials like cellophane plastic, latex balloons, and white sugar add conceptual and physical depth.

The interlocking slices end up being 8.5” by 8.5”, with the cardboard material thickness being 0.16”. Construction process is simple organization of the several pieces. Interlocking cardboard slices resemble the shape of a lollipop and were assembled and wrapped in clear cellophane plastic. A small amount of white sugar fills the sculpture and several latex ballons. A blue string light fills the holes of the interlocking cardboard slices and articulates the object’s volume and void. The light is battery powered and has the capability of operating several modes of strobe. The sculpture hangs from a chain which can be adjusted to attatch to any environment.

EMILY ECK