Richard Sweeney's Transformation Paper to Metal

 

 

Last week, I shared with all you art fans the beautiful folded paper works of Richard Sweeney (1984-). At the end, there was an image of his pleated paper art translated into an astonishing outdoor sculpture. While it doesn't really fit the definition of "alchemy," it's the word that keeps popping up in my mind. 

 

 

Perhaps a better definition would be "transformation." Yet, that still isn't quite the word for the process by which paper became metal. Instead of searching for the word, here's the process in images of how Sweeney's work and with his direction, paper became a lovely, lyrical metal sculpture.

First there was the need for a model by Sweeney  of the final sculpture:

 

 

 

 

 From the model, a substructure was developed UAP - known as a leader in worldwide public art and architectural designs. They often collaborate with the artist to determine how best to generate the "bones" of a design. UAP created this structure in a very large warehouse and then transported in to its placement in ZhengZhou, China. 

Shipped in its pieces, it was re-assembled on site in China. After which, the final touches were added. 

It is sheathed in stainless steel polished to a mirror finish and measures 39 feet by 36 feet.

Here, you can see not only the sculptural, but the lovely environment surrounding it. It's meant to be a sun shelter and a communal meeting place. 

I wonder if when Sweeney made his pleated paper sculptures, he dreamed of a day when they would become something else...