Plastic data : an investigation of 3D printing beyond sculpture

Abstract

In the past, digital artworks have fallen into obscurity and obsolescence due to the impermanent nature through which they are developed and the collapse of platforms upon which they were created. This research explores the challenges posed by the technological dependency of these transient artworks when it comes to archiving, preservation and presentation. This is discussed within this research in relation to the notion of immateriality and the dematerialization of the art object. An artwork that depends on technology can only exist for as long as its support structure remains operational, thus, the biggest limitation which current artists, curators, archivists and institutions face is the accurate representation of the artefact and its authoritive intent. This research explores the possibilities that plastic as a medium, through technological agency,can be used as a means to extend, preserve and create artefacts. Through the use of 3D printing, this study attempts to create artefacts which are not dependent on the platforms which were used to create them.The project created as part of this research puts forward a method where technology is used as an agent to rid the arts of its dependencyon technology. By creating a plastic slide (image-sculpture)the representation of an image is captured within a materialwhich does not degrade overtime;moreover,it also requires minimal technology (sunlight) in order to present an image and its interpretation to an audience. The conservation of digitally-extended practices is distinguished from the conventional approach of traditional media as it results in the redevelopment or re representation of the original. This calls into question the original representation and intent of the artwork. In light of this, this research proposes to introduce a method through which artists become the creators and archivists of their own work, thus having an active role in the assimilation of their own artefact for future audiences.