Leonardo On-Line







Fig. 8

Mario Ramiro, detail of Gravidade Zero (Zero Gravity), wood, brass, glass, electromagnet, electronic components, 81 x 81 x 81 cm, 1986. An electromagnet regulated by a photo-sensor maintains a metallic form floating in space in a state of levitation. Freed from a two-dimensional base, and from any point of support in space, this object is in a truly 3D kinetic space. Shown here is a view of the electromagnet with the object surrounded by two lenses and light source. The levitating form presents volume-inversion relations: The area of the object's greater mass can be seen at the top. The lower part, the traditional base of the object, does not need to support the volume above it.







Between Form and Force