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 7 Esculturas i Un Quadre, 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 acrylic 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 the 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, allowing viewers to engage with the work in real time.

This reimagined kinetic system builds on a previous version, with refined mechanical geometry and upgraded electronics to deliver a more robust and reliable solution.