Erica Seccombe

Modern Prometheus (after Shelly) 2013

Erica Seccombe, Modern Prometheus (after Shelley) 2013, gypsum, ink, resin, max hight 40cm, multiple objects

Exhibited

• 2013, Science Fiction to accompany the stereoscopic projection installation Monster, Canberra Contemporary Art Space, Canberra. 
• 2014, a variation at Domink Merche Gallery, Sydney.

For this work I created a number of 3D printed objects exploring various components of a virtual isopod, such as its legs, internal spaces and carapace. During the printing process I intuitively reasoned that the ink might be fluorescent under a UV light. Testing a range of colours, I discovered that the binder in the inks created a luminescent glow which was increased when used purple ink. To enhance this effect in the gallery space I installed six LED UV lights to project onto the objects arranged on five wall-mounted shelves. Under the UV light the printed works emitted a violet glow, reminiscent of blacklight, or light emitting diodes used in scientific experiments to capture information not normally visible to the human eye. I entitled this series of printed objects Modern Prometheus (after Shelley), a reference to the mythological story of humans giving life to something dead.