Rhythm
Sculpture Installation Series for Zhuoyun Xiao
Rhythm materializes choreographic energy through five cherry wood totems that freeze frame clowning kinetics in three dimensions. The collection articulates theatrical dynamism via hyperbolic silhouettes and precision spatial choreography, with scarlet, ebony, and ivory patinas orchestrating chromatic rhythm across staggered elevations. This sculptural translation codifies ephemeral gestural language into tactile permanence, employing volumetric abstraction to bridge commedia dell'arte heritage with modernist design syntax.
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Rhythm by Zhuoyun Xiao
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Sculpture Installation Series by Zhuoyun Xiao
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Zhuoyun Xiao Rhythm
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Zhuoyun Xiao Sculpture Installation Series
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Zhuoyun Xiao Designer Portrait Photo
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Unique Properties
"Rhythm" transforms dance movements into five cherry wood sculptures. The series captures clown performance dynamics through exaggerated forms and strategic spatial arrangement. Using black, white, and red color accents, these varying-height sculptures (150-350mm) create visual cadence. The work translates abstract body movements into tangible forms, merging traditional performance art with contemporary visual expression.
Tags
Grotesque Aesthetics, Dance Visualization, Cherry Wood Installation, Rhythmic Form, Visual Movement, Clown Performance, Deconstructed Motion, Dynamic Sculpture, Spatial Sequence, Color Contrast
Production Technology
Cherry wood crafted through precision cutting and hand-finishing. Five distinct sculptural elements (150-350mm) form a complete set (600×800×300mm). Used deconstruction methodology to translate clown movements into static forms. CMYK color system (C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:100, C:0 M:0 Y:0 K:0, C:0 M:100 Y:100 K:0) applied through specialized wood treatment. Spatial arrangement creates visual rhythm through varying heights and geometric relationships.
Design Challenge
The primary challenge was translating dynamic clown movements into static wooden forms while preserving rhythmic essence. Historical perspectives on grotesque aesthetics required careful integration with contemporary design language. Social perspectives on clown performance interpretation varied widely, necessitating extensive research to identify universal movement patterns. Material limitations of cherry wood demanded precise calculations to achieve proper balance while maintaining visual fluidity across the five-piece sequence. Technical difficulties emerged in achieving gradual height transitions (150-350mm) that conveyed motion. The color scheme implementation required multiple prototypes to determine optimal placement of black and red accents against natural wood to emphasize transitional moments without overwhelming the subtle form language.
Project Duration
The project "Rhythm" was created by Zhuoyun Xiao at Nanjing University of the Arts, China, between 2023 and 2024.
Operation Flow
Viewers circle the installation to discover how each piece captures a distinct dance moment. Varying heights create visual rhythm, guiding the eye through the sequence. Black and red accents mark transition points. The arrangement transforms static forms into perceived motion, engaging viewers in completing the dance sequence mentally. Spatial relationships between pieces amplify the dynamic quality of frozen movement.
Research
The research explores grotesque aesthetics in dance movement visualization. It aims to decode rhythmic patterns in clown performances, translating them into visual language. Using deconstruction and reconstruction methods with digital media analysis of body movement trajectories, five cherry wood pieces of varying heights (150-350mm) were created with a black-white-red color scheme. The work dynamizes static elements through exaggerated forms, strong color contrasts, and dramatic arrangements that reinterpret traditional performance art. This research breaks visual language boundaries, demonstrates innovative fusion of traditional and modern art, and offers new approaches for public space art installations.
Inspiration
Inspired by the rhythmic movements in dance performances, particularly the exaggerated expressions of clowns. Research focused on transforming dynamic movement into static forms while preserving energetic qualities. The project explores the intersection of traditional performance art and contemporary sculpture, using wood as a medium to capture fluidity and tension in physical space.
Image Credits
Images#All: Designer and photographer Zhuoyun Xiao, Rhythm Installation View, 2024.
Project Overview
Rhythm Sculpture Installation Series has been a Iron winner in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Iron Recognition
Zhuoyun Xiao was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Rhythm Sculpture Installation Series.
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