Tom Moore. Fine Art : Matt Shilan

Matt Shilan

"As a paper engineer my work is rooted in print media, books arts and commercial design. Beginning with and initial fold, a single action causes a transferor energy to subsequent folds, which ultimately manifest in drawings and three dimensional forms. I use my engineering skills to create kinetic sculpture which have lead to collaborations with scientists and the University of Michigan. We work on the nanoscale, translating paper structures to micro folds. Our investigations extend to visualising cellular division and solar cell development. Researchers see paper engineering was a metaphor for scientific principals; I see their inquiry as basis for artistic inspiration. In my studio I am a collaborator, explorer and inventor. I begin with a system of folding and at a particular moment the material takes over. Guided by wonder, my work is made because I cannot visualise its final realisation; in this way I come to understanding through curiosity." - Matt Shilan, http://mattshlian.com/statement2012.html