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Wind Generated Drawing Systems: Cameron Robbins Artist Talk

Join internationally recognised artist Cameron Robbins as he talks about his wind drawings created by a wind-powered mechanical instrument that transcribes weather patterns onto paper, featured in the RMIT Gallery exhibition Dynamics of Air, presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut.

In collaboration with the series WRITING & CONCEPTS, Robbins will discuss his work and processes with exhibition curator Malte Wagenfeld and Jan van Schaik, elaborating on his ideas and innovative method of working with nature, in particular the invention and construction of machines which transcribe weather patterns and phenomena into sound and drawings.

In Dynamics of Air, Robbins’ wind drawings are accompanied by a video of the wind machines in action, capturing a symphony of scratching and winding rhythms.

Originally installed and recorded at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Tasmania, Robbins’ self-devised drawing system used wind speed to drive the pen, wind direction to swivel the drawing board, and time and electricity to move the paper along. To develop this machine it took Robbins a great deal of personal experimentation and learning from marine, structural and mechanical engineers, as well as technicians such as bicycle machinists.

Robbins affinity for collaborating with nature can be traced back to his love of surfing when he was growing up. He describes how sitting in the ocean for hours on end made him feel more directly in contact with the natural world.

Dynamics of Air (14 Sept – 17 Nov) at RMIT Gallery is a new exhibition curated by Malte Wagenfeld showcasing specially commissioned works by designers, creative practitioners and engineers that captures the beauty, dynamics and sensuality of air in our built environment.

BOOKINGS

Image: Cameron Robbins, ‘Wind Section Instrumental’ 2014. Photo by Remi Chauvin, courtesy of MONA.

 

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