MetaMorph IV
2022, CNC Milled Chinese Bluestone, 91 x 45 x 63 cm
Tobias KLEIN
2022, CNC Milled Chinese Bluestone, 91 x 45 x 63 cm
Tobias KLEIN
About the Artwork:
MetaMorph IV is a contemporary sculptural work that bridges traditional Chinese aesthetics with digital fabrication. Based on a 3D scan of an intricate rock from Qingzhou, Shandong, the piece transforms a 30cm, 10kg limestone into a monumental 81cm, 300kg sculpture. The original rock’s complex surface, marked by erosion patterns and striations, resembles industrial slag from iron extraction. Using industrial-scale robotic arms, the work expands these natural patterns while creating new cavities inspired by traditional Taihu stones.
The fabrication process leaves intentional tooling marks that act like brushstrokes in landscape painting, creating a dialogue between technological precision and natural chaos. This metamorphosis represents a mathematical and computational interpretation of geological formation, merging ancient scholarly rock traditions with contemporary digital processes.
MetaMorph IV is a contemporary sculptural work that bridges traditional Chinese aesthetics with digital fabrication. Based on a 3D scan of an intricate rock from Qingzhou, Shandong, the piece transforms a 30cm, 10kg limestone into a monumental 81cm, 300kg sculpture. The original rock’s complex surface, marked by erosion patterns and striations, resembles industrial slag from iron extraction. Using industrial-scale robotic arms, the work expands these natural patterns while creating new cavities inspired by traditional Taihu stones.
The fabrication process leaves intentional tooling marks that act like brushstrokes in landscape painting, creating a dialogue between technological precision and natural chaos. This metamorphosis represents a mathematical and computational interpretation of geological formation, merging ancient scholarly rock traditions with contemporary digital processes.
Tobias KLEIN:
Tobias Klein is a trained Architect and internationally recognised Artist. His work integrates contemporary CAD/CAM technologies with site and culturally specific design narratives, intuitive non-linear design processes, as well as historical and cultural references. His works have been extensively exhibited in major international institutions, including the London Science Museum, the V&A Museum, the Venice Architectural Biennale, Ars Electronica, Melbourne’s Science Gallery, MoCA Taipei, the Museum of Moscow, the Museum of Vancouver, and Art Basel Hong Kong. Tobias’ work can be found in the permanent collection of the M+, the MoMu Antwerp and the Museum of Glass. He is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong.
Tobias Klein is a trained Architect and internationally recognised Artist. His work integrates contemporary CAD/CAM technologies with site and culturally specific design narratives, intuitive non-linear design processes, as well as historical and cultural references. His works have been extensively exhibited in major international institutions, including the London Science Museum, the V&A Museum, the Venice Architectural Biennale, Ars Electronica, Melbourne’s Science Gallery, MoCA Taipei, the Museum of Moscow, the Museum of Vancouver, and Art Basel Hong Kong. Tobias’ work can be found in the permanent collection of the M+, the MoMu Antwerp and the Museum of Glass. He is currently an Associate Professor at the School of Creative Media, City University of Hong Kong.
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