Perpetuum
Two counter-rotating forms that appear, simultaneously, to move and to stand perfectly still — a structure built from contradiction
The Perpetuum consists of two counter-rotating circular platforms of angled vertical members. As they turn against each other, the structure exploits the moiré effect — the perceptual phenomenon that arises when two regular patterns overlap at a slight offset, producing a third pattern that appears to move independently of either.
A structure built from contradiction — where the truth of what is happening and the experience of it are irreconcilably different things.
The result is a structure that the eye cannot resolve. It appears, simultaneously, to be in motion and in stasis — to be expanding and contracting, breathing and holding still. The viewer cannot determine what they are actually seeing, only that they cannot look away.
The Perpetuum continues AW Design's investigation into work that operates between states. Where the Night Lily creates intimacy through biological metaphor, and Metamorphosis through the drama of transformation, the Perpetuum works through pure perceptual disruption — a different register entirely, and one that opens new territory for the practice.
Commission a new work
Projects begin with concepts developed in dialogue with commissioning institutions.