Bearing' Inclusive /exclusive

RESEARCH BACKGROUND Developments in virtual computer visualisation and integrated digital technologies are giving contemporary makers new insight and opportunities to research and create objects and forms that were either previously impossible to produce or difficult to envisage. Perry's work 'Bearing' experiments with the medium of 3D sculpture and printing to explore issues of utopia, dystopia, culture and technology for an exhibition curated by Claire Smith (Melbourne University). RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION This experimental work was one of a number of miniature sculptures created by 46 artists in Australia and Britain that were transmitted across the world as digital files and then produced remotely through advanced Rapid Prototyping 3D printing methods. The exhibition examined the use of this new technology through a touring exchange exhibition that was simultaneously launched in each country. Perry and the other contributing sculptors explored the boundary between the physical and the virtual to create new forms of sculptural realisation and encouraged debate on conceptual issues surrounding new technologies and aesthetics. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE Rapid prototyping technology featured in this exhibition and continues to have a profound effect on the future of the design, production and distribution of objects. It represents an opening up of whole new fields of inquiry and the potential to create radically new creative forms and knowledge. This work and exhibition involved a collaboration with DeMontfort University (UK) and with support from Lycette Bros, Art Technology Coalition. International participating artists included Anthony Eland (UK) and Martin Riesler (UK).