Simon Denny - Optimism
by Murray Crane
Simon Denny's 2023 artwork "Optimism" delves into the space industry and the fascination with extraterrestrial travel and habitation. Based in Berlin, the New Zealand artist creates 'megastructures' from Rocket Lab's patent diagrams for rocket engine parts. These large-scale, 3D-printed sculptures act as 'object-based portals' between the digital and physical realms.
Augmented reality (AR) adds another layer, projecting narratives of space colonies, futuristic living, and various cultural references onto these structures. "Optimism" reflects on the sources of future innovation, blending technology, history, and speculative futures to examine humanity's ongoing relationship with space exploration.
Auckland Art Gallery
View more Dispatch posts
Back to DispatchWebbs Collectors Car Auction
It's interesting to consider that when these cars were designed and manufactured, the idea of living in space and driving flying cars seemed like a plausible reality.
Maurice and I
Warren and Mahoney's unique partnership, driven by their shared design philosophy and innovative use of materials, reshaped Christchurch's urban environment.
May Book Reviews
A selection of insightful Autumn books recommended by our resident Unity Books reviewer Chloe Blades