The Geometry of Matter: Kirigami and the Art of Building Space

The PennDesign Mat Lab is pleased to present The Geometry of Matter: Kirigami and the Art of Building Space, curated by Mike Tanis.

Curator's Statement:

Creating a structure from a single sheet of paper allows for a tactile understanding of physical geometry. Operating within a wide range of familiar constraints, a concept can be realized directly according to tangible mathematical relationships. Without the filter of intermediate representation, the process becomes largely improvisational, inviting elaboration and variation. Where traditional origami and kirigami involve extrinsic manipulation of flat sheet material through folds, bends, and cuts, lattice kirigami allows for additional control of both the extrinsic and intrinsic curvature of initially planar surfaces. As artist in residence with the Kamien group (Penn Physics, University of Pennsylvania), I have had the opportunity to explore the conceptual and practical applications of this unique design paradigm. In its simplicity and generality, lattice kirigami is a truly elegant system with great potential for experimentation and discovery.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Curator: Mike Tanis, Artist-in-Residence, Kamien Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pennsylvania

For more information, please contact Franca Trubiano.