illusion catalogue 2014
DESCRIPTION
Illusion showcases a series of original sculptures and prints by artist and designer, Peter Arnoud Bensen. The series revolves around the themes of perspective and illusion, drawing us towards his pieces with mesmerising tricks of the eye. Using pyramids, cubes and spirals, Bensen demonstrates how these basic shapes morph into different entities by a shift of perspective. Bensen describes this peculiar experience as “shape-shifting”.TRANSCRIPT
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ILLUSION SERIES
THE ARTIST & DESIGNER
BEEHIVE
CUBOID
COCOON
CUBE STACK
PYRAMID IN CUBES
GOLDEN HEART
MULTI-CUBES
WITHIN
UMBILICAL
PRINTS
PABENSEN
CONTACT US
Illusion showcases a series of original sculptures and prints by artist and designer, Peter Arnoud Bensen. The series revolves around the themes of perspective and illusion, drawing us towards his pieces with mesmerising tricks of the eye. Using pyramids, cubes and spirals, Bensen demonstrates how these basic shapes morph into different entities by a shift of perspective. Bensen describes this peculiar experience as “shape-shifting”.
Illusion is inspired by Bensen’s past experience as a commercial diver. Diving 120 meters into the unknown has made him see things in a new light. Like an observer to a colossal sculpture, Bensen saw the subsea structures around him took on different shapes at different depths of diving. Magical sights that fused from the metal frames around him captivated Bensen in awe, and remained ingrained in his memory. Bensen translates his past adventures into his sculptures, aspiring to evoke the same wonder and fascination in viewers that he had personally encountered.
Sculpture has always had the distinction of being something experienced while moving around the artwork. In Illusion, we constantly engage with our senses of sight and perception while moving towards, across and around the sculptures. Each sculpture is hand-crafted by Bensen and exclusive in its design that cannot be recreated. Every piece has a special significance and a unique beauty that demands a physical response and an intellectual challenge to fathom the hidden messages.
“ w e c o n s t a n t l y e n g a g e w i t h o u r
s e n s e s o f s i g h t a n d p e r c e p t i o n w h i l e
m o v i n g t o w a r d s , a c r o s s a n d a r o u n d
t h e s c u l p t u r e s .
SERIES
www.pabensen.com
ILLUSION
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THE
ARTIST&
DESIGNER
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Bensen is a professional artist and designer specializing in woodwork, furniture and sculptures. Born in the Netherlands, Bensen started creating little wooden cars since he was six years old. Bensen works primarily on wood for his projects, be it furniture, sculpture or toys. To him, wood is a beautiful medium and can be easily combined with other materials to produce new elements. The scientist in Bensen enjoys working wood to its limit, while finding ways to overcome the weaknesses. His investigative characteristic is also a motivation for him to constantly create to help resolve problems.
Bensen transcends his thoughts, ideas and passion through his handicraft, with the aspiration to amaze others and try to change the world with his designs. Today, Bensen is exploring into other mediums, such as metal, to integrate into his art and designs.
Peter Arnoud Bensen
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THE
BEGINNING
Inspired by nature’s little wonders, Bensen designed Beehive to emulate bees’ diligence and patience, in which they slowly build their honeycomb bit by bit into a perfect dwelling for the bee colony. Similar to artistry, creativity cannot be rushed, and constant effort and persistence are vital to the process of crafting exquisite and beautiful art.
Beehive is an elegant and organic piece of art, capturing the charm of nature. Using a single circle with a string of concentric arcs fanning out of it, Beehive became the brainchild of the series of Illusion designs. Only available in print, Beehive is a delightful expression of Bensen’s pure imagination and craftsmanship.
PAB-P001 | 1010mm (L) X 710mm (H) X 40mm (W) | Polycarbonate, Merbau
BEEHIVE7
P.A. Bensen2014
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THE
SCULPTURES
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Each sculpture in the Illusion series is composed of a metal frame and a base.
The metal frames of the sculptures can be scaled 2 to 8 times its original size. The sculptures are unique; there will only be one sculpture for each scale. For every size of the sculpture, a special base is designed and crafted to hold the frame.
Every Illusion sculpture is one of its kind, exclusive in nature and can never be recreated.
Cuboid is a symbol of life, resembling a corridor with many doors. Each of these doors opens up different possibilities and adventure for the seeker. Ultimately, these doors and paths take one to greater heights and opportunities.
As we observe the Cuboid from every angle, it inspires us to think about how our life experiences shape and mold us into unique individuals.
Crafted with cubes linked together, one can imagine the Cuboid guiding and lifting us from one place to another, just like how every experience in life acts as a distinct moment of learning and growth.
PRINTSCULPT
Available in:
PAB-S001
CUBOID10
As astrophysicist Jean-Pierre Luminet once proposed, the shape of the universe is not a sphere, but a dodecahedron. Inspired by this, the dodecahedral base of the Cuboid is crafted with twelve identical pentagonal faces, with the angle between a pair of planes as the Golden Ratio.
This beautiful and enthralling shape signifies the universe of knowledge, and how we embark on a life journey to intelligence and wisdom.
PAB-S001 | 370mm (L) X 570mm (H) X 200mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
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PAB-S002
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Cocoon illustrates the theme of metamorphosis with a series of interwoven rings. The cocoon is one of the most amazing creations in nature, in which a complete metamorphosis takes place.
In the beginning, the caterpillar is always chomping on leaves. Then it begins to spin a cocoon around itself, ready for the next stage in its life. Within this protective shell, the magical process of transformation quietly begins. This is a process unique to each species, and can take a couple of weeks, months or even years to conclude. Finally, a butterfly or moth emerges from the cocoon.
We are constantly undergoing metamorphosis in life, continuously learning and progressing to become better individuals. Every milestone we encounter is a cocoon for us to grow and flourish. We are the caterpillars on our own journey of metamorphosis, meeting different occasions that shape us and influence our change. Eventually, we will morph into butterflies, ready to leave our cocoon for the next challenge.
The base is also shaped after the Cocoon, with a crystal ball embedded deep inside the core of the wood. When we peek into the crystal ball, we see an inverted image of our surroundings. It is as though everything that we know of has been transformed and a whole new world is captured within the crystal ball; a world full of challenges and opportunities.
PAB-S002 | 500mm (L) X 570mm (H) X 200mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
SCULPTAvailable in:
COCOON13
Cube Stack brings us back in time, to our childhood memories of playing with blocks. We started out with grabbing and picking up the blocks, acquiring our coordination skills. Then we ventured on to stacking them on top of each other. Through this simple act of playing with blocks, we discovered that having a good foundation is a vital first step to building a solid and stable stack of blocks.
Cube Stack also reflects Bensen’s unique experience of working at the university. Spending time in the university made him realise that while the school pushes one to think outside the box, it offers an established foundation of knowledge for one to fall back onto. Building a good foundation in everything that we do is an important lesson that we carry with us throughout the rest of our lives.
PAB-S003
CUBEST ACK
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Cube Stack comes in two different bases. Both bases are shaped out of cubes. The cubes signify the fundament of knowledge; how the wealth of knowledge is built and strengthened to prepare us for future challenges and opportunities.
The metal base comprises a single layer of cubes which is intentionally built “oversized”, illustrating the idea of being a stable fundament and having strong potential for growth and progression. It also carries a the frame of Cube Stack that is twice the original dimensions.
If you look closer, you will notice that the wooden pedestal rests on a flat base that is decorated with a sunburst embellishment in darker wood. These rays travel to meet in the middle, symbolising the origin of a foundation that grows into something bigger and better.
PAB-S003 | 350mm (L) X 550mm (H) X 200mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood (Original Size)PAB-S004 | 685mm (L) X 790mm (H) X 410mm (W) | Metal, Cherrywood (2x Size)
PAB-S004
PRINTSCULPT
Available in:
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SCULPTAvailable in:
IN
Pyramid in Cubes is the only sculpture that comes in three parts. Each sculpture comprises a pyramid within a cube, encased within a larger cube; all crafted on a single plane. This fascinating design plays with the way our eyes perceive space and dimensions, highlighting the interplay between 2-dimensional and 4-dimensional space.
The true essence of this sculpture comes from the emotions evoked by observing it. In that instant when we find out that we have been fooled, we get greatly disappointed. Yet, we still hope that what we see is real, as it is too beautiful to be illusory. As we observe the sculptures in sequence, a slight transformation unfolds within each cube, adding to its enchantment.
In a way, Pyramid in Cubes makes us realise that it is really easy to make one believe in a beautiful lie. But it is very difficult to make one understand and believe that one has been lied to.
PYRAMID CUBES
PAB-S005
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Each base is fashioned out of a cube, with its corners cut into at a 30-degree angle. When placed together, each cube rests against each other, forming a hollow triangle in the centre.
The magic happens when we walk around the Pyramid in Cubes. The elusive sculpture seems to only allow us to see two sculptures at a time, while the last sculpture disappears into a thin line.
PAB-S005 | 230mm (L) X 360mm (H) X 150mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
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PAB-S006
Golden Heart plays on the concept of the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Spiral.
The Fibonacci sequence is as old as time. It is the ground principle for all elements striving for beauty and completeness in both realms of nature and art. From this string of numbers comes the Golden Spiral, an aesthetic ideal for all structures, forms and proportion. The Golden Spiral can be observed all around us, be it in trees, music or in the human body; and has been widely employed in art and architecture since its discovery.
A metal base will be used for scaled-up sizes of the Golden Heart. The base symbolises a universal spring where all life originates. From this strong foundation, an elegant tree blooms and flourishes, reminding us the beauty of life.
PAB-S006 | 400mm (L) X 450mm (H) X 200mm (W) | Metal, CherrywoodPAB-S007 | 500mm (L) X 530mm (H) X 150mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
PAB-S006
GOLDEN
For demonstration purposes only, not for sale.
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PAB-S006 | 400mm (L) X 450mm (H) X 200mm (W) | Metal, CherrywoodPAB-S007 | 500mm (L) X 530mm (H) X 150mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
Golden Heart expresses the concept of life. One can imagine a heart-shaped tree, composed of two Golden Spirals, blossoming from the metal roots. The heart-shaped sculpture has a pure scientific meaning, melded with cubes of dimensions following the Fibonacci sequence. It also encompasses an aesthetic significance, with the cubes, representing fruits, hanging from the perfectly proportioned and shaped “branches”.
Golden Heart is a thought-provoking sculpture, showcasing the perfect harmony of science and art. More than just a piece of art, it captures Bensen’s respect and passion for the two disciplines in life.
HEART
PRINTSCULPT
Available in:
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The sides of the wooden base are carved out accordingly to the Golden Spiral, echoing the Golden Heart’s contours. These perfectly curved sides show how the scientific Golden Spiral is attractive and soothing to the human eye.
PAB-S007
PRINTSCULPTAvailable in:
PAB-S008 | 440mm (L) X 620mm (H) X 270mm (W) | Metal, Rosewood
Crafted with sixteen cubes and two pyramids, all wrapped within a large cube, the Multi-Cubes is created to enrapture us into its detail yet be immersed in the beauty of its 3-dimensional, and even 4-dimensional illusion.
This sculpture brings the investigative nature of Bensen to life with its array of cubes and pyramids. Bensen experimented with the limits of the cube, adding in polyhedron structures into the frame, yet retaining its illusionary effect.
If we observe the Multi-Cubes from different angles, we will realise how its shape shifts and slips into another dimension easily, teasing our sight and feeling. It is as though the Multi-Cubes is a sentient creature itself.
Mirroring its sculpture, the base is built out of layer of cubes. At the corners of the dominant cube are four smaller cubes. These cubes have the exact dimension as those seen in the sculpture.
MULT I-CUBES20
PAB-S008
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One of Bensen’s favourites, Within is the only sculpture that encompasses both form and motion. The spiralling structures are built on a 2-dimensional plane, yet it gives the illusion of a 3-dimensional sculpture, and even 4-dimensional.
The fluidity of the spirals creates a sense of motion, which is accentuated when we walk around the sculpture, observing how the spirals seem to revolve along with our movements.
Bensen’s fondness for exploration and his desire to “always wanting to know what is within” is embedded in Within.
We are able to see through each layer to reach the heart of the structure, expressing a form of fragility in transparency. Yet the sculpture is made of solid iron, a symbol of strength and stability. The juxtaposition of transparency and solidity elicits curiosity and brings up questions.
PRINTSCULPTAvailable in:
PAB-S009
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PAB-S009 | 800mm (L) X 1270mm (H) X 400mm (W) | Metal, Cherrywood
The solid sphere in the base symbolises planet Earth, where all life and forces of nature originate. It signifies the innermost core that every element possesses and emanates from.
The sphere is set in a rounded depression of a wooden foundation. Inspired by Stephen Hawking’s theory of the bending of space-time, the depression signifies how our reality may be completely different from the actual reality, which we will never find out.
WITHIN23
PAB-S010 | 680mm (L) X 15780mm (H) X 400mm (W) | Metal, Cherrywood
The base is composed of a single spherical-shaped steel weight , resting within a wooden foundation. Bensen sees the spherical base as the incubator of life to which the Umbilical is connected to and passing on the flow of life from one place to another.
Bringing the Hawking’s theory of the bending of space-time to life, the depression shows us how our reality may be poles apart from the actual reality. Bensen hopes to inspire people to keep exploring the unknown and never stop finding answers.
UMBILICAL24
PAB-S009
PAB-S010
Umbilical features a series of rings being spun into an elegant swirl, exuding a sense of quaint beauty. The sculpture symbolises the flow of life, like how a mother provides for and nurtures her child through the umbilical vein.
More than just a symbol, Umbilical captures Bensen’s memories as a deep-sea diver. The umbilical cord of a diver carries vital elements to him during missions, acting as a lifeline in the deep sea.
With Umbilical, Bensen shares a part of his past with us and connects us with a realm that we would hardly, if not never, be in touch with.
PRINTSCULPTAvailable in:
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THE
PRINTS
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Cubestack | PAB-P0031010mm (L) X 710mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Golden Heart | PAB-P0041010mm (L) X 710mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Multi-Cubes | PAB-P0051010mm (L) X 850mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Within | PAB-P0061300mm (L) X 1500mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Umbilical | PAB-P0071300mm (L) X 1900mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Cuboid | PAB-0021010mm (L) X 710mm (H) X 40mm (W)
Materials used: transparent polycarbonate sheets and merbau wood
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PABensen Pte. Ltd.
NTU Innovation CentreBlock 2, Level 1, Unit 113D18 Nanyang DriveSingapore 637723
Copyright©2014 PABensen Pte. Ltd.
PABensen
PABensen is a design company that strives to create thought-provoking works and innovative functional products that bridge the fields of Art and Science.
Founded in 2012 by two diverse personalities – Artist Peter Arnoud Bensen and Scientist Pina Marziliano-Bensen, PABensen celebrates the union of Art and Science through its concepts, designs and works. Each handcrafted product is designed to be artistic and functional with an underlying scientific principle.
From luxurious sculptures to avant-garde lighting, PABensen continues to explore, innovate and provide superior quality lifestyle services for customers worldwide.
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To get a quote or any further enquiries, feel free to email us or give us a call at:
www.pabensen.com
Peter Arnoud Bensen | +65 9725 6827Pina Marziliano-Bensen | +65 9155 6971
Catalogue created by:Heng Yiweiwww.hengyiwei.wix.com/portfolio
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