Kasey McMahon, an Artist renowned for her innovative sculptures, has constructed a bold reimagining of Auguste Rodin’s classic The Thinker. This technological reinterpretation, crafted from steel and hundreds of feet of network cable, is a reflection on bodies, networks, and technology.
The piece features a welded steel armature, meticulously wrapped with layers of CAT5 and CAT6 cables by hand. The exposed colors and markings of the cables—blue, gray, white, and streaks of red—formulate the compliant anatomy and seated posture of the contemplative figure. This intricate creation was fabricated in McMahon’s Portland-area studio, a 120-year-old converted garage.
Network Wires Reshape the Human Form: The Digital Age Thinker Sculpture
The sculpture marks the fourth life-size figure in McMahon’s ongoing collection and the first male rendition. Contrasting the iconic bronze solidity of Rodin’s work, McMahon opts for a medium overtly visible and intimately related to the infrastructure of our modern world.
For another intersection of technology and creativity, explore how stone seats integrate art and nature, reflecting on materiality and design.
Analyzing the Intersection of Bodies and Technology
The familiar pose of The Thinker invites reflection on the ties between human existence and technological connectivity. This digital representation, unlike Rodin’s original, sits enmeshed in the conversation around artificial intelligence, offering contemplation without resolution. This thought-provoking figure is now a private installation in Austin, Texas.
Process, Technique, and Materiality
McMahon’s process involved alternating between detailed welding and the tactile layering of cables, creating both form and gesture. Exposed cable connectors and markings are integral to its design, rejecting the notion of concealment for honesty in material in this networked age sculpture.
With the sculpture’s palette predominantly blue, gray, and white, this contemporary piece invites viewers to consider the material that connects our contemporary digital interactions. The work, photographed by Aaron Wessling of Single File Studio and shared by @singlefile_studio, represents a blend of artistry and modern technological themes.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Kasey McMahon known for?
Kasey McMahon is known for her innovative sculptures, including her reimagining of Rodin’s The Thinker with network cables.
What materials did McMahon use for her version of The Thinker?
McMahon used a welded steel armature and hundreds of feet of CAT5 and CAT6 network cables, wrapped by hand, to construct her version of The Thinker.
Where is McMahon’s digital age Thinker now installed?
The digital age Thinker sculpture by McMahon is now a private installation in Austin, Texas.