Assembly at Woolwich Arsenal, London

myminifactory

Embedded within each of us lies the innate capacity to identify and interpret the human form from a mere fragment of visual information. In this work, Burke endeavours to portray a collective human presence through a series of deliberately defined spaces. Sixteen partial body moulds are strategically arranged as if converging at their densest point in the centre of the group. The materials and forms employed draw upon the artist's initial immersion in engineering practice and an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities inherent in functional engineering construction. The cast forms have been designed to be industrially manufactured and replicated, thereby reflecting the use of industrial production methods, and are secured together using conventional techniques for joining castings. Each figure is implied by three out of a possible four assembled mould sections of a body cast, allowing the viewer a means of entry and an opportunity to perceive it from the outside in, as if casting one's own body. 'Assembly' acknowledges that there exists a tension between the interpretation of an image of the human form and the impact that the physicality of materials and process have on that understanding. The work was conceived as an assembly of persons, of parts, and spaces, which can ultimately be assembled by the viewer. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have intriguing items surrounding you and wish to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate.