HELIA RAFIE
XYZ
2024
Solo Exhibition at Y2
Installation, sculpture, media
Documentation film of XYZ opening at Y2 Groningen by Sergo Babasjants
The "XYZ" series is a visual and tactile investigation into how we perceive and interact with both the physical and digital realms. It draws inspiration from the concrete world we inhabit as well as the virtual landscapes we navigate daily, underscoring the profound influence of digital technology on how we experience and engage with our surroundings.The creative process behind the pieces is intuitive and adaptive, akin to moving through digital landscapes. This approach involves a dynamic process of constructing and deconstructing, significance of the transient nature of digital space.
The sculptures rise as a testament to transformation — common materials severed from their origins, melding into a dialogue with the viewer about the perception of the physical exploration of space and a reflection on the commonplace objects that fill our daily lives. Through a reconfiguration of materials — foam, metal, wood, and repurposed items — these works disrupt the mundane familiarity of objects, forging a novel visual language that invites to consider the relationship between the human experience and the environments we inhabit.
The integration of dynamic features like movement, smoke, light, and shadows in these sculptures injects a sense of layered depth, suggesting an underlying kinetic energy beyond mere static existence. There is a dialogue between solidity and fluidity, as seen in the juxtaposition of rigid structures with the seemingly soft, malleable forms created by the foam. This contrast alludes to the complexity of the physical and metaphysical spaces we navigate.
THE CAGE
THE SEGMENT
THE ARROW
THE WALL
Scroll to zoom the model
Drag to move the model
THE ARROW
"The Arrow" from the XYZ series is a kinetic sculpture with an arrow that rotates constantly, powered by an Arduino setup. This movement reflects the idea of constant change and progression in both physical locations and digital spaces. Constructed from a mix of shapes and textures, the sculpture mirrors the eclectic mix of urban life and the virtual worlds we encounter online. It presents a visual array of elements we might find in city streets or in digital landscapes, from concrete forms to abstract shapes that are common in digital graphics. The lighting is an integral component rather than an external addition, serving to highlight the sculpture's features. Embedded within the structure, the lights cast varying shadows and enhance the perception of its motion, suggesting the way light can reveal or obscure details in both physical and digital environments.
THE WALL
"The Wall" brings together a collection of foam pieces, creating a structure that imitates the building process of a wall. However, instead of using solid materials like bricks and cement, it uses foam, introducing a playful twist on the concept of barriers. where we expect cement and rigidity, we find foam and fluidity. The texture and colors of the foam add a dynamic and vibrant feel to the piece, inviting the viewers to reimagine the concept of walls, which usually divide, into a form that invites curiosity and engagement. Incorporating lighting directly into the sculpture, "The Wall" radiates a warm and inviting glow. This light doesn't just illuminate the sculpture—it's an integral part of it, highlighting the varied textures of the foam. it speaks to the nature of digital spaces—flexible, ever-changing, and open for redefinition. ”The Wall" becomes a metaphor for the interfaces and screens that are the gateways to digital landscapes, both separating and joining our physical and online lives.
THE SEGMENT
"The Segment" presents a striking visual contrast with its layered structure resembling steps. Smoke gently billows from the holes carved into its surface, adding an element of intrigue and motion. Beneath, soft lighting illuminates the sculpture, casting a warm glow that highlights its textured surface. The overall effect is one of dynamic stillness, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of light, form, and movement within the space.
THE
CAGE
