Step into the Cloud
2023
Width 300", Height 30"
Tyvek
“Step into the Cloud,” as part of Hands on Origami, was exhibited in Denmark’s Museum for Papirkunst for a year,
“Step into the Cloud” is an expansive spatial installation exploring the conceptual and artistic dimensions of algorithmically designed textiles as spatial enclosures. The inspiration for this project originated from using digital data point clouds to represent interior spaces. These data points in space carry additional depth and size information. In interior design, the point cloud data of a space can be captured using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems, which use laser beams to accurately measure an interior space. Design researchers are beginning to probe the conceptual aspects of these technical imaginaries, considering how they might be applied as metaphors and analogies in interior design.
At the heart of this installation is a large, folded Tyvek paper-like textile, measuring 30 inches in height by 300 inches in width. Initially, the textile measured 60 inches by 600 inches, and was imprinted with an algorithmically generated pattern. This large textile was subsequently hand-sewn using fabric origami techniques. In fabric origami, triangles are marked on the fabric, and each triangle’s three points are sewn and then knotted on one side. The resulting gatherings are pleated and flattened on the opposite side. For the “Step in the Cloud” installation, about six thousand triangles were sewn, knotted, and pleated. This vast, double-sided textile was stretched onto an acrylic frame and suspended, wrapping the space like a spiral cocoon. The outer façade of the installation is sleek and dotted with myriad point sizes forming an expansive, and ethereal cloudscape—symbolizing the very present and yet elusive digital point cloud in our interior environment. In contrast, the inner surface showcases folded textures that echo the point cloud imaginary on the outer surface. As visitors pass through the enclosure, they encounter a connected cloudscape and are encouraged to touch and refold flaps (there are as many as six different ways to fold at each flap), allowing for individual interaction and interpretation.
The idea of an enclosure in “Step into the Cloud” evokes feelings of intimacy, introspection and isolation. Coupled with the concept of a cloud – which embodies intangibility, evanescence, vastness, and omnipresence – the installation becomes a sanctuary of reflection, both on the transient nature of our existence, and on our interwoven relationship with the digital ether. It is noteworthy that “Step into the Cloud,” as part of Hands on Origami, is being exhibited in Denmark’s Museum for Papirkunst for a year, catering to both sighted and visually impaired visitors. The double-sided textile, with its smooth exterior and textured interior, offers an alternative tactile experience for visually impaired visitors.
Acknowledgments: This work is supported by grants from IU Presidential Arts and Humanities Program and IU Center of Arts and Humanities Institute. The artist would like to thank Tina Midtgaard and Julieanna Preston for their support and Hannah Jones, Noah Migoski, Sam Ecenbarger, and Jesse Kogge for help with the production.
Image 1 courtesy: Jacob Friis-Holm Nielsen.
Images 2 & 3 courtesy: Poul Nymark.
For research related to this installation, check out these two research articles:
Wu, J. (2024). The Artistry and algorithms in fabric origami tessellations, Journal of Mathematics and the Arts. Volume 18, Issue 3-4, pp. 201-221. doi: 10.1080/17513472.2024.2414656.
Wu, J. (2024). Algorithms for Generating Crease Patterns from Sewing Patterns, Verrill, H., Kattchee, K. Lousie, S., and Torrence, E. (Eds.), Proceedings of Bridges Richmond 2024: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, and Culture, pp. 423-426, Phoenix, Arizona: Tessellation Publishing.
Wu, J. (2022). Grafting Tessellations for Fabric Origami, Reimann, D., Norton D, Torrence, E., and Kaplan, C. (Eds.), Proceedings of Bridges Aalto 2022: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, and Culture, pp. 375-378, Phoenix, Arizona: Tessellation Publishing.