Abiotic Variables is a project studying new ways of making soft futuristic robots and the potential of lively like beings made from synthetic material. Liquid crystal plastic parts are implemented in cooperation with Professor of Chemistry Arri Priimägi and PhD student Zixuan Deng from Tampere University.

 

The liquid crystal plastic parts’ movements are produced by conditioning material to move in response to light and warmth. In the videos included in the work, plastic parts are moved with a strong blue light with a wavelength of 450–550 nanometres. The liquid crystal plastic’s molecules are organised so that they remember where to turn. 

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The work was exhibited at HAM gallery, Helsinki in 2023.

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Abiotic Variables

Dimensions vary

Video installation and sculptures

(acrylic plastic, liquid crystal plastic,

LED lights, videos, duration 3:41 min)

2023