Paul Cullen.
The Orange Theory, 2006.
Chair, plastic orange, motor, light and power cord.

The Orange Theory is a sculpture and a model. In constructing a model one is concerned with making the imaginary real. A sculpture on the other hand operates as an indexical sign in which construction and materiality are essential aspects of its sign function.

Italo Calvino had the following to say about models: “In a well-made model, in fact, every detail must be conditioned by the others, so that everything holds together in absolute coherence, as in a mechanism where if one gear jams, everything jams. A model is by definition that in which nothing has to be changed, that which works perfectly; whereas reality, as we see clearly, does not work and constantly falls to pieces; so we must force it, more or less roughly, to assume the form of the model”

Reference:Calvino I. 1983. Mr Palomar. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.10.


Click here to go to Paul Cullen's website, and view close ups and video of The Orange Theory under Objects/Constrictions.


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