Crys
Paris, April 2023Artists: Maria Kuptsova, Haoyi Chen, Korbinian Enzinger
CRYSTALLUM is wearable piece, characterized by a sophisticated design meticulously generated through material programming and advanced additive manufacturing techniques. At its core, this wearable piece is integrating the essence of aquatic life into the forefront of contemporary fashion.
The structural foundation of CRYSTALLUM is realized through the implementation of an algae-based filament, carefully extracted from marine sources. This filament serves as a multifaceted medium, not only contributing to the structural integrity of the piece but also resonating with the sustainable dynamics inherent in our ecosystem. Being one of the main contributors to global CO2 re-metabolization, algae play an essential role in balancing climatic conditions. By encapsulating algae in the 3D printed morphology, the pieces act as an allegory for how art can become an active part in tackling environmental issues on a global scale.
The amalgamation of art and science unfolds further as CRYSTALLUM's 3D printed structure becomes the canvas for a transformative process marked by the infusion of salt crystals. Inspired by the natural deposition of salts in marine environments, CRYSTALLUM studies the intrinsic elegance of crystal growth. Each crystalline formation becomes a distinct manifestation, a visual narrative of the intricate interplay of dynamic forces shaping the piece's aesthetics.
What distinguishes CRYSTALLUM is its individualized link to the wearer, made possible through cutting-edge 3D scanning technology. The morphological arrangement of this wearable piece seamlessly aligns with the curves and contours of the human body. Inspired by the elegant growth patterns found in coral reefs, the design of the 3D printed piece emerges, echoing the formations witnessed in these natural structures.
Each piece of CRYSTALLUM is a unique creation, meticulously generated with unwavering attention to the specific event it is intended for. While the 3D printed structure remains a constant, ensuring reusability, the crystals undergo a process of regeneration, anticipating each distinct wearing event.
Borax Salt Crystallization
40x Magnification
Speed x10
Epsom Salt Crystallization
40x Magnification
Speed x10
Ammonium Sulfate Crystallization
40x Magnification
Speed x10
Beyond its status as a mere wearable piece, CRYSTALLUM beckons you to immerse yourself in a realm where art learns from natural processes, and technology serves as a conduit for a sustainable and aesthetically conscious future.
Wearable Design:
Maria Kuptsova and Korbinian Enzinger
Bag Design:
Haoyi Chen
Algae Filament:
Haoyi Chen
Renderings:
Korbinian Enzinger
Model:
Maria Kuptsova
Photos:
Korbinian Enzinger