Beetle Sphere is a sculptural composite of five Volkswagen Beetles compressed into one spherical ball by Indonesian artist Ichwan Noor. The 180cm3 metallic orb, which was recently unveiled at Art Basel Hong Kong, is comprised of real parts from 1953 models of the car, combined with polyester and aluminum. The Jakarta-based sculptor, who is no stranger to working with such a large-scale medium (specifically automobiles), redefines the shape of a car with this piece and forces viewers to re-identify its purpose. Similarly, the artist has also reshaped cars into cubed figures.
According to the artist's statement, “The idea emerged from a personal perception towards objects that are products of a ‘transportation culture', which induces hints/signs of spiritual emotion. To behold a vehicle (car) is to have a “magical” (supernatural) identity. Sculptures represent the interaction between humans and the object realm, with strong spiritual tension that affects the subconscious, and that yields a new “animistic” attitude. By combining the techniques of manipulation and substitution, the form of this sculpture tends toward realistic distortion, which allows new interpretations about the object (car), as a shift in perception that creates an associative meaning.”
Top photo credit: See-ming Lee
via [Colossal, Japan Times, Art Basel HK, Indonesian Art]
