21 Faces
Sculpture
2020
31.5'' x 17.7'' x 13.8''
plaster, wire, epoxy resin, and acrylic
Inspired by M.C. Escher's tessellations, I created this sculpture to model a mini society. The contours of the 21 faces can all fit together like puzzle pieces, highlighting elements of interdependency within human societies. All adorned with different colors and patterns, every face is unique, yet they all look harmoniously similar. There is only one face that is not part of any cluster or pair. It symbolizes the "odd one out", who could be anybody in society. The odd one out feels they are incredibly different or isolated from everyone else, but is actually only somewhat distinct from all the others. All the faces together create the society, but society also creates them, since the individuals must take on the same shape in order to fit into society.
Process
I first designed a face pattern that could create a tessellating effect. Using clay and carving tools, I then sculpted a face model based on the pattern and used the model to create rubber molds. After pouring plaster into the molds, I obtained plaster-casted faces which I sanded down before pouring/painting acrylic on them to create colorful patterns. Finally, I secured the 21 painted faces upright by using thick wires, epoxy resin, and a plaster base.
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Special thanks to my art teacher, Mr. Casey Mull, for helping me throughout this project.
21 Faces: video
See before vs. after the faces were connected with each other