Studio 3D students reimagine ocean ecosystem in Creal Microgallery exhibition
“How might sea creatures evolve in response to human environmental influences in 30 years?”
Stamps instructor Seder Burns posed the question to his Studio 3D students this semester.
Students answered the question by designing creatures using 3D software. One student imagined a cat taken to the sea in response to rising sea levels. Another created a jellyfish that has evolved to resemble bottles that have become prevalent in the ocean. One student envisioned a turtle that has developed barbs to cut through trash, like six-pack drink rings.
The printed creatures are on view in a group exhibition titled Speculative Anthropogenic Evolution at the Creal Microgallery.
The Creal Microgallery is a 16×10×12 inch exhibition space located on Creal Crescent in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Designed as a publicly viewable breadbox-sized exhibition space for small works, the Creal Microgallery exhibits contemporary art in a range of media, giving special attention to small moments, playful experiments, and unexpected discoveries.
To fit the unconventional proportions of the microgallery, students used several iterations of the models while ensuring that they were strong enough to print.
The class hopes to spark a conversation surrounding environmental issues and their future impact.
“Humans shape evolution through artificial selection, pollution, urbanization, global warming, etc,” says the class in an artist statement. “U‑M students imagined an ocean ecosystem 30 years in the future in which sea creatures have evolved to make use of trash and adapt to rising sea levels.”
The exhibition is on view until November 25. To learn more, visit www.guildofmicrogalleries.com.