Login
       
  • Animate materials: Exploring nature-inspired dynamic color adaptation

Ahu, Dumanli-Parry, Ozden Yenigun, Elif, Hongning, Ren, Xiao, Tan and Han, Zhang, 2023, Show, Exhibition or Event, Animate materials: Exploring nature-inspired dynamic color adaptation

Abstract or Description:

Through evolution nature became a master of colour manipulation by creating unique structures that can interact with light purposely. Inspired by the footsteps of nature and through our ability in textile processing; we embarked on a collaboration between the two Universities and formed an interdisciplinary team of scientists, artists, and designers to transform the colouration of textiles. Textiles reveal and contextualize the most intimate relationship between material and humanity. The process of combining cutting-edge technology and traditional textile making strikes a balance in the preservation of nature and the breakthrough in progressing human society. In this exhibition, we are showcasing not only the use of micromachining, self-assembly and surface engineering concepts to build colour in textiles (without any colourants) we will also offer functionality inspired by nature that will give the textiles the ability to respond to their environment. Inspired by the principle of colour-changing butterfly wings, we explored 3D printing hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) into pieces with pinholes of varying sizes and thicknesses. We experimented with different arrangements and connected them together with threads, simultaneously referencing the large-scale installation "Unwoven Light" by artist So Sunny Park. The sensory interaction is revealed on the textile surface, visualized by the thermochromic quality of the liquid crystals, extending the microstructure of colour into the macro level. Hence, the visuality of our project communicates the reciprocal relationship between art and science as an entity to a larger audience.

Events:
TitleLocationDatesType
Textile IntersectionsLoughborough University, London20-23 Sep 2023Museum/exhibition
Subjects: Creative Arts and Design > W700 Crafts > W740 Surface Decoration
Creative Arts and Design > W700 Crafts > W790 Crafts not elsewhere classified
School or Centre: School of Design
Funders: Animate Materials for Design is funded by UKRI Interdisciplinary Research Pump-prime Competition 2022-23
Date Deposited: 30 Oct 2023 15:51
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2023 15:51
URI: https://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/id/eprint/5553
Edit Item (login required) Edit Item (login required)