Concurrentes
Concurentes: From the Latin “They run together” is inspired by an interdisciplinary investigation of the treatises of the 13th century Bishop and scholar Robert Grosseteste by the research group “The Ordered Universe”.
Concurrentes - Glass, steel, 3.1m x 3.1m x 3.1m. 2018. Video by Alan Fentiman
The treatise on colour De-Colore re articulated the Aristotelian linear and one dimensional colour spectrum from black to white through all colours, to a more sophisticated colour space made up of three axis. The interdisciplinary study lead by Durham and Oxford Universities replotted this medieval colour space to the more familiar RGB colour cube.
The work is a response to the genius of Grosseteste and the developments in science and technology that have taken place since his time to expand our methods of interpretation. The work is composed of sixteeen colour blended solid glass forms, each with a different combination of the polar colours: RGBCMYKW. The glass forms have then been high precision 3d scanned to create a virtual replica of each that can then be composed in rhino software. 48 unique clasp armatures were designed to fit the glass and waterjet cut from steel to suspend each part with cables in its exact intended position, thus mapping out the writhing glass forms into the regular RGB cube.
The relationship between the medieval thinking and its interpretation by modern minds is echoed in the fluid uncontrolled glass elements contrasted with precision digital manufacture. The work harks back to a time where one individual could explore and explain the cosmos as they saw it, and freeze their analysis for later generations to rediscover and expand.
Commissioned by National Glass Centre
Supported by University of Sunderland and Durham University
Images/Video: ©Colin Rennie. All rights reserved.