Living Cells

Sculptures for an international roadshow
la prairie
Art Basel, Paris, New-York, HongKong, Shanghai, Zurich
2018
Laquered steel, 60.000 ferrite magnets, wood base
Pictures courtesy Benjamin Boccas & Paul Coudamy

The Living Cells structure is on the Weaire-Phelan geometry, a mathematical formula of a complex three-dimensional form representing an idealised foam of equal-sized bubbles. Composed of lustrous black magnetized marbles – reminiscence of caviar – which colonise the steel structure in clusters, the installation’s form is in constant flux.

The magnetic tension between the 60.000 magnet marbles themselves and the structure generates an organic and ever-changing distribution. The small spheres spread like a living entity over a static skeleton, producing new, unique forms each time the installation is assembled.