Exhibit

Depth Perception

Surface dimensions and material innovations often overlap. But in “Depth Perception”, the two virtually meld into one. This exhibition of 128 materia tabula curated by Material ConneXion, highlights the latest advances in the visual and tactile dimensionality of materials. Through layering, reflections and the embedding of objects in polymers and resins, 2D materials take on new dimensions that result in a visual extravaganza of optical effects.

The transformation from flat surfaces into dimensional materials inevitably involves some form of intervention. Objects as ephemeral as torn bits of paper and as dense as beach pebbles can be cast in polyurethane to create polymer tiles that assume structural possibilities. Thin films sandwiched between sheets of laminated glass sparkle with holographic illusions or shimmer with moiré effects. Elsewhere, the immiscibility of two polymers give standard-issue patterns like stripes and checks a fluid, viscous appearance that can be used to cover soft curves or hard angles. Sometimes the results are more directly achieved through cutting, scoring and scratching to .create ridged and ruptured surfaces with tactile appeal. .At other times, barrier technology creates astonishing moving graphics. Ultimately, however, it is light, that .most intangible of elements, that interacts with each surface either by casting shadows or revealing reflective possibilities to give a material its real or illusory depth.