The Saint Louis Art Museum announces the September 7 opening of Currents 101: Patrick Jouin, an exhibition of new, revolutionary furniture forms. Jouin's use of rapid-manufacturing technology, known as stereolithography and selective laser sintering, marks a turning point in the history of furniture design.
To create these innovative pieces, Jouin's hand sketches are converted into three-dimensional computer images that are then "printed" by a laser, ultra-thin layer upon layer, onto liquid resin or nylon powder. Contact between the laser beam and the resin or nylon instantly hardens the material to produce a full-scale three-dimensional object.
Because this technology does not involve carving, assemblage or the use of molds, Jouin has unbridled freedom to create any form in three dimensions, including works with hinges and moving parts. All of his designs would be impossible to fabricate without this new technology.
Rapid manufacturing is an additive process, requiring no human intervention and producing no waste. It has been previously used to make medical devices, automotive parts and small-scale architectural models. Working with the Belgian manufacturer Materialise.MGX, Jouin is one of the very first designers to apply rapid prototyping technology to furniture making.
The Museum's Currents series features the works of contemporary artists. Curated by Cara McCarty, the former Grace L. Brumbaugh and Richard E. Brumbaugh curator of decorative arts and design at the Saint Louis Art Museum, Currents 101: Patrick Jouin will be on view in Gallery 130 through December 9, 2007. -- www.stlouis.art.museum
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