ROB 498: Storytelling with Robotics

Project #1: Digital Surrealist Object

DUE Friday 9/22/2023  

Objective

The aim of this project is to create a fantastical object similar to creative styles of Surrealism.

You will use a 'found object' as a starting point and change its meaning through designing extensions, augmentations, parts etc. using CAD & digital fabrication techniques.  

You are free to choose any object you like, but focus the cultural, political, personal meaning the object embodies. After selecting this object, aim to use CAD & digital fabrication (3D printing, laser cutting etc.) to complicate/resist/alter/augment etc. this meaning to create a new sculptural object.

Remember that this is NOT a user experience design exercise. You are NOT making something ‘easy to use’ by creating ergonomic features for objects. Instead, focus on the uncanny, strange, funny, bizarre etc.

Learning Outcomes

By completing this project, you will learn:

• How to design and create 3D objects
• The basics of 3D modelling in CAD  
• How to create physical objects using digital fabrication tools & techniques
• Understand the basics of joinery and assembling fabricated components
• How to critically engage with artistic concepts of Surrealism/Dadaism

Project Requirements

At a minimum, your project must have the following components to count towards a complete submission:

• You must use a found object as the starting point for this project.
• The found object must have at least one extension/augmentation made through CAD and digital fabrication techniques.
• The extension must interface directly with the found object, i.e. it should be attached and/or secured to the found object and not a separate object
• The original meaning of the found object must be transformed through the process of augmentation.

Inspiration

• Readymades: https://magazine.artland.com/top-10-readymade-works/
• Surrealist Sculptures: https://www.thecollector.com/surrealist-sculptures/
• Assemblage Art:

• The Mechanical Head (The Spirit of Our Time) by Raoul Hausmann 1920 : https://smarthistory.org/hausmann-head/
• The Liberation of Aunt Jemima by Betye Saar : https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-betye-saar-transformed-aunt-jemima-symbol-black-power
• Long Term Parking by Arman: https://www.vintag.es/2018/09/long-term-parking-1982.html
• More: https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/contemporary-assemblage-art