Metamorphosis Conceptual Design Idea and Research

What is Metamorphosis?

Metamorphosis is a profound process of transformation, shifting from one form to another. In design, it becomes a captivating art of shapeshifting, allowing artists to convert shapes symbolizing one entity into forms representing something entirely different.

Unlike transformation, metamorphosis is a continuous evolution, constantly changing from one idea to a completely new concept. It embodies the essence of change and adaptability, showcasing the fluidity and versatility of design in capturing the essence of diverse entities.

As creative designers we have the power to breathe life into our creations, infusing them with new meaning and symbolism through metamorphosis. It is a dynamic process that challenges conventional boundaries, pushing the limits of creativity to unveil innovative and thought-provoking designs.

 

Space balls (Initial idea)

For my 3D metamorphosis atomic animation inspired by Alexander Calder’s work, I will be developing a dynamic planetary animation where marbles morph into the various planets within our solar system. This project aims to blend artistic creativity with scientific concepts, offering a unique visual representation of planetary transitions.

The decision to create a moving planetary animation comes from a recent experience of creating a “biome in a box” for my daughter’s school project, with the theme “Our Solar System”. Also, I will be able to incorporate Alexander Calder’s work into this design, drawing from childhood memories of playing marble ball games with my friends also I found a connection with our solar system celestials and his wire sculptures that balance and delicately float in the air.

Image of Marble balls I used to play when I was little
Image of vectorised Solar System with an example use of colours

Who is Alexander Calder?

Alexander Calder was an sculptor known for inventing the mobile, a type of kinetic sculpture made with delicately balanced or suspended shapes that move in response to touch or air currents.

His work often featured bright colors and geometric shapes, reflecting his interest in modern art movements such as Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism. Alexander is renowned for his captivating mobile wire sculptures that delicately float in the air. These sculptures rely on the precise balance of weight to achieve their visually stunning suspended appearance. The intricate dance of form and space in Calder’s work serves as a profound inspiration for my upcoming project.

By infusing Calder’s principles of balance and motion into my work, I aim to emulate the graceful movement and harmony found in his sculptures by incorporating a similar sense of elegance in my own creation. Just as Calder’s sculptures pirouette in the air with effortless beauty, I envision my project to mirror the celestial ballet of planets orbiting the sun.

Alexander Calder, France, 1967© 2024 Monroe Gallery
A Calder mobile in the main hall of the National Gallery of Art's East Building Meilan Solly

References:

EPPH. Unknown. Visual Metamorphosis. [Online] Available at: Visual Metamorphosis | EPPH | Art’s Masterpieces Explained (everypainterpaintshimself.com) [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Helen Cobby. (2021). Changing shapes: the art of Metamorphosis. [Online]. Available at: Changing shapes: the art of Metamorphosis | Art UK . [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Wallup.net. (2018) MARBLES, GLASS, CIRCLE WALLPAPER
[Photograph]. Available online: marbles, Glass, Circle, Bokeh, Toy, Ball, Marble, Sphere, 8 Wallpapers HD / Desktop and Mobile Backgrounds (wallup.net) [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Graphicsrf. (ND) Planets of the solar system infographic [Photograph]. Available online: Planets of the solar system infographic 1482443 Vector Art at Vecteezy [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Tate. (2015). Who is Alexander Calder?. [Online]. Available at: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/alexander-calder-848/who-is-alexander-calder. [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Monroe Gallery. (1967) Alexander Calder, France [Photograph]. Available online: Photos – Alexander Calder, France, 1967 #2474 (monroegallery.com) [Accessed 20/03/2024].

Smithsonian Magazine (ND) A Calder mobile in the main hall of the National Gallery of Art’s East Building [Photograph]. Available online: Explore the Newly Digitized Archive of Alexander Calder, Famed ‘Sculptor of Air’ | Smart News| Smithsonian Magazine [Accessed 20/03/2024].