Post­SHIELD (Hydro­kinetic Pool)

"Post Shield (Hydrokinetic Pool)" is a conceptual exploration that delves into the intersection of artistic research, technology, and existential themes. It immerses viewers in a controlled environment, presenting a series of elements that form a cohesive, self-contained system. At its core lies a soft robotic form cast in silicone, evocative of an alien-like organism. Controlled by the "Pneumatic Hub," a mechanism integrating valves, pumps, and pneumatic channels within a structural framework of aluminum tubing and 3D-printed components, the soft robot simulates life-like movements reminiscent of breathing or motion. Surrounding the central element are various sculptural structures known as "Shields," crafted from 3D-printed components generated with algorithmic modeling software. All the 3D prints have undergone a process known as aceton vapor smoothing, a process that polishes their surfaces to a high gloss finish. A metal plate derived from this process is also utilized as a presentation table for the shields. Additionally, the installation features illuminated display tables which serve as examination platforms for the bone-like shields and the soft robot. Alongside a central "Water Shield" housed within a protective case, these structures serve both as potential protective barriers and symbolic artifacts. The water circulates through a network of silicone conduits, connecting every part of the installation into a continuous cycle. Additionally, the exhaust air generated by the pneumatic hub is channeled into the protective case, which is filled with water and also functions as the source of the water cycle. By establishing this closed-loop system, the installation emphasizes the cyclical nature of living forms and underscores the interconnectedness of organisms, whether alive or static. The installation can be read as a kind of research platform, resembling a laboratory-like setup, which provides a space for the development and investigation of prosthetic-like shields for use by the semi-living soft robot. It contemplates the relationship between humanity and its technological creations, prompting contemplation on the blurred boundaries between the organic and the artificial.