2025
MÁSCARA AFRICANA
OKUDA SAN MIGUEL
Matt was commissioned by Studio Okuda San Miguel to develop a bespoke kinetic mechanism for the second edition of his sculptural work Mascara Africana.
The piece, to be exhibited at 3 Punts Galeria in Barcelona as part of his exhibition DREAMING AWAKE, features Okuda’s signature visual language - bold geometric patterns and vivid colour. Hidden within the mask, Matt designed and fabricated a new kinetic system to animate the kaleidoscope eyes of the sculpture.
At the core of the mechanism is a custom CNC-machined aluminium assembly that holds a rotating disk printed with Okuda’s graphics. The disk is driven by a motor using a pulley and belt system. LED lights backlight the spinning disk, illuminating the kaleidoscopic display visible through mirrored eye tubes.
The entire system is housed within a lightweight aluminium frame, bolted directly to the interior of the mask. The mechanism is activated via remote control.
This kinetic system builds on a previous version, with refined mechanical geometry and upgraded electronics to deliver a more robust and reliable solution.