We first featured the matchbox creations of Chris Burden back in 2010 when he was building the framework for his artistic Metropolis II Matchbox Car Cityscape which is 10ft tall and 28 ft wide. Burden’s kinetic sculpture Metropolis II is a massive cityscape where more than a 1,000 toy cars racing down 18 lanes of freeways continuously.
The Match Box cityscape took artist Chris Burden, and his chief engineer Zak Cook, together with ten assistants four years to build in his Topanga Canyon studio, and now the Metropolis II has now been sold for millions of dollars and can been seen in all its glory in the video after the jump.
The Intricacies of Metropolis II
Each Matchbox car has a magnet attached to the bottom of it which allows the cars to be pulled back up the track in a continuous motion. Although like any Metropolis there are a few accidents and the Matchbox cars do fly off every now and then and the structure is being continuously tweaked to help keep the cars flowing smoothly.
The design of Metropolis II is not just about the cars racing down the tracks; it’s a complex system that mimics the hustle and bustle of a real city. The sculpture includes skyscrapers, bridges, and other architectural elements that create a realistic urban environment. The cars move at a speed that represents the frenetic pace of modern city life, making the sculpture a dynamic and engaging piece of art.
The Engineering Behind the Art
The engineering behind Metropolis II is as impressive as its artistic vision. The use of magnets to keep the cars in motion is a brilliant solution to the challenge of creating a continuous loop. The magnets are strategically placed to ensure that the cars are pulled back up the track without any interruptions. This system requires precise calibration and constant maintenance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
In addition to the magnetic system, the structure of Metropolis II is built to withstand the constant movement of the cars. The tracks are made from durable materials that can handle the wear and tear of continuous use. The entire sculpture is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of Chris Burden and his team.
The project also highlights the collaborative effort required to bring such a complex piece to life. Chris Burden worked closely with his chief engineer Zak Cook and a team of ten assistants over four years to complete Metropolis II. This collaboration ensured that the artistic vision was matched by the technical expertise needed to make it a reality.
Metropolis II is not just a sculpture; it’s an experience. Visitors to the installation are often mesmerized by the sight and sound of the cars racing through the cityscape. The kinetic energy of the piece creates a sense of excitement and wonder, making it a favorite among art enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
The success of Metropolis II has cemented Chris Burden’s reputation as a visionary artist. His ability to combine art and engineering in such a seamless way is truly remarkable. The sculpture has been displayed in various museums and galleries, attracting visitors from all over the world. It stands as a testament to the power of creativity and the endless possibilities of artistic expression.
Source : Gizmodo : Make :
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