Case Study
Al Tawash
An exclusive piece for the Chaumet and Nature exhibition.
Shouq Al Mana
Shouq Al-Mana is a Qatari contemporary artist who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar in 2017. She emphasizes themes that focus on culture, identity and tradition. Al-Mana’s practice involves painting, sculpture and installation art. Her interpretation of history through symbolism is imbued with a synthesis of the past and present.
Challenges
While my practice typically involves utilizing stainless steel, working with a new material presented a challenge. Specifically, creating intricate, flexible designs using recycled resources through 3D printing required overcoming several obstacles.
Ensuring the materials could be effectively printed into complex structures, maintaining flexibility, and achieving a stable, lightweight piece suitable for suspension were significant hurdles.
Additionally, selecting the right colors to harmonize with the room’s subtle blue-purple ambiance and designing a structurally sound installation without visible supports further complicated the process.
Solutions
The project demonstrated the versatility and potential of 3D printing to address these challenges. By using recycled ABS plastic pellets mixed with recycled wood granules, I crafted a sustainable, flexible, and intricate installation that reduces waste and promotes environmental responsibility.
Innovative design solutions, careful craftsmanship, and meticulous color testing enabled the creation of a lightweight piece that could be suspended securely without visible supports, seamlessly integrating into the space.
This approach not only solved the technical challenges but also resulted in an artful, environmentally conscious installation that thoughtfully enhances its environment.