Killing Time
Mesplé
Killing Time by Mesplé | Photo courtesy of the artist
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Killing Time is a kinetic hourglass sculpture. When a viewer approaches the sculpture, an internal sensor detects their presence. A curated sequence is triggered, releasing a deep black liquid, ferrofluid, producing breath-like motion from and into the mouth of a polished skull.
The artist, Mesplé’s intention is for the viewer to think about their relationship with time at that moment, the way oneself perceives time and time’s effect and how time can feel more intense when concentrated upon.
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The thick black liquid flowing from the mouth of the skull is ferrofluid, which is a liquid that becomes magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field.
The sculpture stands 78” tall and is made of bronze, aluminum, steel, glass, electromagnets, ferrofluid, microcontrollers and sensors.
The closer one comes to view the sculpture, the more the internal sensor activates the magnet’s reaction to ferrofluid (the liquid) which intensifies the pull of the fluid.
It took nine months to complete “Killing Time” from conception to completion.
Mesplé feels that human skulls are similar to fingerprints and a representation of who one is. On a larger scale human skulls are the fingerprints of humankind, being one of the most defining forms we all have inside of us and left behind by those who are no longer alive.
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Mesplé seeks to heighten viewer relationships through his art. Through playful interaction and audience engagement, Mesplé maximizes experiences and stimulates new curiosities. He focuses on presenting artwork that superficially can appear somewhat simplistic and hides the complexity behind its creations.
Mesplé has been blacksmithing since the age of 11 and began working in a foundry at 14 fabricating public sculpture.
He has been sought out for projects in the fields of fine art, technology, energy, medical, transportation and entertainment.
Mesplé has worked for clients including Intel, Hyperloop, Google, Red Bull, Cedar Fair, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Denver International Airport, Smithsonian Museum, The White House, the U.S. Military and more.
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