Sonny Yan
Unfading Wings
Project Type: Individual Project
Time: December, 2023
(Exhibited on ITP 2023 Winter Show)
An automaton inspired by Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, crafted with butterflies as the main element to embody the essence of everlasting beauty.
Abstract
"Unfading Wings" is an automaton inspired by Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, crafted with butterflies as the main element to embody the essence of everlasting beauty. Enclosed within an elegant dome reminiscent of an art gallery exhibit, it invites observers to witness a captivating exploration of timeless allure.
At the heart of "Unfading Wings'' is the choreography of butterflies, symbolic of life's fleeting moments and the transformative nature of enduring beauty. The interaction mechanism, featuring gears and cranks, empowers the audience to actively engage with the automaton, turning the crank to set the graceful flight of the butterflies into motion.
The deliberate choice of butterflies as the primary visual element signifies the enchanting quality of everlasting beauty. As these mechanical creatures navigate within the protective dome, the audience is visually and emotionally connected to the resilient spirit that defines enduring allure.
Beneath the ethereal dance of "Unfading Wings" lies a reflective canvas adorned with repurposed CD discs, offering a metaphorical layer to the narrative. These recycled discs not only symbolize the resilience of everlasting beauty against the flow of time but also reflect the transient nature of human-made creations. As the mechanical butterflies gracefully dance above this reflective surface, the fleeting reflections emphasize the subtle interplay between the eternal and the ephemeral
"Unfading Wings" stands as an interactive testament to the everlasting beauty encapsulated in Shakespeare's Sonnet. Through a harmonious blend of mechanical ingenuity, symbolic visuals, and repurposed elements, this automaton invites viewers to partake in a sensory journey, a timeless celebration of beauty that remains eternally unfading.