Engineer in the World of Art
For several decades, they were covered with dust and patina in the artist's studio; today, they have gained a second life – the kinetic sculptures of Jan Śliwka have been set int motion again by students and staff of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology. The works of the internationally acclaimed artist from Gliwice were restored as part of the Gliwice Biennale – a festival exploring the relationship between art and technology.
These are large metal objects – heavy castings or aluminium welded structures – made by the artist almost half a century ago. Their smaller elements were designed to move to the rhythm of music. However, after many years, the sculptures lost their shine, and the complex internal mechanisms that set them in motion – made up of tubes, welded arms, bushings, cables and 12-volt commutator motors (once used in windscreen wipers in the times of the Polish People's Republic) – required a thorough renovation.
"Until now, our students have hardly engaged with art, but I thought that our work – as engineers – is fleeting due to the constant advancement of technology. What we improve today will, in a few months or years, be replaced by something more durable or even more energy-efficient. Here, we have the opportunity to be part of something enduring." – explained Rafał Setlak, PhD, Eng, Vice-Dean for Education of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, project coordinator.
The sculptures are set in motion to the rhythm of music specially composed for the artist by Krzysztof Penderecki. Their operation – moving the appropriate segments – is made possible by a modern control system designed by Janusz Tokarski, PhD, Eng, from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
The opening of the exhibition of Jan Śliwka’s sculptures – both those previously shown and those restored at the Silesian University of Technology – took place during the Gliwice Biennale, the city’s first event of its kind, aimed at bringing art closer to the local community.
More about the workshops, the results of which could be admired at the exhibition, can be read in the summer issue of the Silesian University of Technology Bulletin.
We also encourage you to watch the video report on the Silesian University of Technology’s YouTube channel.
