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Astronaut
205 x 120 x 113 cm (H x W x L)
2021
Factum Arte has been working with artist Michael Kagan on the production of his first sculpture, a 2m bronze astronaut presented at the amfAR charity benefit in Cap d'Antibes on July 16, 2021. Kagan is known for his space related oil paintings, and more recently, for his series composed of 3D astronauts.
For his collaboration with Factum Arte, Kagan’s studio sent a 3D model that Factum scaled to 205 x 120 x 113 cm (H x W x L). The files were prepared for 3D printing and the resulting print was used as a positive for the casting process.
Render of the 3D model © courtesy of the artist
Render of the 3D model © courtesy of the artist
Render of the 3D model © courtesy of the artist
One of the sections of the 3D model ready for printing © courtesy of the artist
One of the sections of the 3D model ready for printing © courtesy of the artist
Using Factum’s new MSLA printer, sections of the astronaut were 3D printed in-house and all pieces were then sent to Fademesa foundry for moulding and casting in bronze. The helmet shield was mirror-polished separately and all details were refined by hand before sandblasting and glass bead blasting of the final assembled piece.
The MSLA printer at work on one of the sections © Factum Arte
Results of in-house MSLA 3D Printer (grey) © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Moulding process at Fademesa © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Mould of the helmet © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Extracted bronze cast of different sections of the spacesuit: legs, bust, arms and primary life support system, before sanding © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Sections before and after sanding © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Sanded pieces © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Detail polishing at Fademesa © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Detail polishing at Fademesa © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Before and after detail polishing on the primary life support system section © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Lifting the welded sculpture © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Unfinished astronaut ready for sandblasting © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Sandblasting process at Fademesa © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
Michael Kagan inspecting the work © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte
A second edition of the Astronaut was on display by Almine Rech Gallery at Art Basel Miami Beach (December 2 - 4, 2021).
Astronaut on display at Art Basel Miami Beach with Almine Rech Gallery © courtesy of the artist
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