French sculptor, Benoit Lemercier, began college at MIT with the intention of studying physics. Lucky for us, fate interfered and Mr. Lemercier became fascinated with the “science of sculpting”. Mathematics and science in general have always been forefront in Mr. Lemercier’s mind. His two sculptural series are an indication of such! Hypercube speaks to the “infinitely LARGE to universal scale while Superstring reflects upon the infinitely SMALL to the atomic scale” (LUX Residence). The juxtaposition between the rigid, black lines of Hypercube and the white, flexible steel ribbons frozen mid-air in undulating forms of Superspring is amazing and refers to the forces that watch over the world and give it it’s proper order.
Within his Gers studio in southern France, computer sketches, drawings and models of his sculptures are intricately created. Thereafter, Mr. Lemercier paints on canvas and begins forming his scientifically-inspired sculptures. We were reminded of Elizabeth Turk’s amazing “collar works” at first (and second glance). It doesn’t take a lot to be inspired by these unique works!