INTO FOCUS began with a conversation, not a brief. Matt approached Stephan Duquesnoy after seeing his series of animations exploring neurodivergence — and proposed a way to translate the work into a physical, kinetic form. The commission followed.

To realise the artwork for TUUN Art Expo in Amsterdam 2024, a precise technical solution was required spanning 3D design spanning 3D design, digital fabrication, mechanics, electronics and programming.

The artwork features 5 custom fabricated rotating modules that contain a bearing, stepper motor, internal spur gear and a sensor for positioning. These mount into each 3D printed head slice to form the full bust. The cables pass through the centre of each module until they reach the torso where they are controlled by a microcontroller.

Software was developed so within choreographed parameters chosen by the artist it randomises the variations in speed and direction of the modules until they align. This ensures the rotation pattern is never the same adding a uniqueness to each time the piece is viewed.

To finish the piece the parts were painted with a protective base layer followed by a bronze paint which was patinated to achieve the effect desired by the artist.

Team: Matt Marshall & Carlos San Juan