KINETIC SCULPTURE
#PCB #STEPPER #MIRROR #PCOM #KINETIC #3DPRINTED
8
8
BRIGHT SHINY YOU
BRIGHT SHINY YOU
A kinetic installation that mathematically distorts how we perceive our surroundings and lights through rotating reflecting mirror surfaces.
The piece "8" is the second in a series of kinetic sculptures inspired by window blinds.
In my first piece, "10," I explored light diffusion by backlighting opaque acrylic blades with LED strips. This design created a striking visual effect as colors blended and shadows danced. The sculpture was controlled by TouchDesigner, which translated digital color codes of graphics into precise position data for each blade.
In this new piece, "8", I delve into the opposite, reflection.
Unlike "10", the computer-controlled sculpture, this piece generates motor positions entirely through the onboard IC. It operates within a predefined range of values and mathematically creates endless sequences of position combinations using sine and cosine waves. Because the wave generator is programmed to compute waves randomly, every moment of this sculpture is completely unique.
The artist explores the evolving relationship between self-identity and image; how we’ve each become a personal brand to be curated, packaged, and distributed for consumption in a market of followers and likes.
Reflective blades rotate randomly, offering the viewer tantalizing glimpses of themselves in amongst reflections of their surroundings, simulating the random reward scroll that grips our screen time.
The viewer becomes the subject and, therefore, the product within the confines of the square frame. But it’s a distorted, fragmented version of the viewer, too quickly replaced by the next image to invite scrutiny, introspection, or a reckoning with oneself. An Instagramable moment.
The number "8" represents both the quantity of blades and motors integrated within this sculpture. Its shape also evokes the vertical infinity symbol (∞), suggesting concepts of endlessness and continuity. "8" also embodies the harmonious combination of sine and cosine waves, beautifully illustrating the balance and interplay of these fundamental mathematical functions.
This piece stands out because of its exposed industrial and art deco design language, as well as the ever-rotating blades catching and reflecting lights from all angles, making it a flat disco ball. This piece also blends in because of its reflective blades. The surroundings dictate how this piece looks. But the installation doesn't show how we perceive the environment. The reflections break into 8 different slices of reality and rotate in seemingly random yet orderly manners.
Construction
The main frame is constructed from four 2040T aluminum extrusions. Each blade, measuring 1.5 inches by 12 inches, is made of thin stainless steel with a mirror polish. A 12V NEMA17 stepper motor powers each blade. Other components, excluding bearings, wires, and electrical parts, are custom-designed and 3D printed with UV-resistant PETG for durability.
Electronics
The installation includes three custom-designed printed circuit boards (PCBs): a hub board for processing position data and two motor controller boards for receiving that data and controlling stepper motors. The design of the entire system allows for future expansion, enabling additional blades to be easily integrated by adding more motor controllers.
Hub PCB
The main hub is equipped with two microcontrollers: an ESP32 and a SAMD21. The ESP32 processes position data and can read from a micro SD card if a pre-recorded position dataset is available. The SAMD21 receives data from the ESP32, then groups, packages, and sends this data to individual motor controllers using I2C. Furthermore, the hub is equipped with an array of eight LEDs that display the angles of each blade.
Controller PCB
Each motor controller board can drive up to four stepper motors, featuring an integrated A4988 stepper motor driver chip directly on the board. This design minimizes the footprint of the PCB. Additionally, a SAMD21 chip on the board receives position data and controls the stepper motors.
Communication
The ESP32 and SAMD21 communicate via serial, while all SAMD21 chips use I2C for communication. To address the distance limitations of the I2C protocol, a LTC4311 chip is installed to boost the I2C signal, enabling it to reach the motor controller situated at the top of the installation.
