Welcome to the world of Creative Machines, where art knows no bounds and creativity flourishes on a global scale. As a leader in the field of interactive art and innovative installations, Creative Machines has been making waves internationally with our diverse portfolio of projects. From captivating sculptures to immersive experiences, our work transcends borders and captivates audiences worldwide. Join us on a journey as we showcase some of our most inspiring international projects, each a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of art on a global stage.
Crescent, Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2017
Crescent is a stainless steel sculpture inspired by the crescent symbol that represents the moon in the first quarter of its lunar phase. The crescent shape has been used throughout history in cultures around the world but is prominently associated with the Islamic faith. This sculpture intends to make the crescent shape three-dimensional and use it as a symbol to welcome visitors to the Four Seasons Hotel and the United Arab Emirates.
This piece was a collaboration with Emirati artist Ashwaq al Hosani who developed the design for the calligraphy which is laser-cut into and wrapped around the sculpture. The calligraphic design is Ashwaq’s interpretation of a poem by Sheik Zayed, the founder of the UAE. At night, the sculpture comes alive with colorful LED lights and illuminates the calligraphic words for visitors entering the hotel. The colored lights are programmable so that the hotel can change the colors in honor of special guests or for holidays.
As Above, So Below, Four Seasons Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2016
Set on Abu Dhabi’s waterfront in a dynamic and walkable urban environment, the Four Seasons Hotel is the perfect setting for our pedestrian-oriented sculpture series As Above So Below. The five-pointed star is decorated with what appears to be a straightforward floral arabesque inspired by Islamic calligraphy. However, the ‘vines’ are created using conic sections – ellipses, parabolas, and spirals – the sort of pathways that stars and other bodies in space would take when guided only by gravity and their inertia. They are also the pathways taken by subatomic particles after collisions.
The title for the sculptures As Above, So Below suggests that not only do the same laws of nature apply on the scale of the universe as well as on earth but that there is an aesthetic similarity between the motions of heavenly bodies and plant forms on earth. At night hundreds of tiny point source lights inside the sculptures project these calligraphic patterns onto nearby objects and visitors to the hotel.
Chinook Arc, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2013
Chinook Arc is an interactive, illuminated sculpture that reflects our impressions of the Beltline neighborhood as a well-defined, confident, and vibrant community. The form draws inspiration from the historic Beltline Streetcar loop that once encircled the neighborhood, as well as the Chinook arch weather phenomenon that periodically blankets the Alberta sky. These two identifying boundaries inspired the crisp edges and rounded curves seen in the work. The enclosed space within the sculpture frames the sky and becomes an immersive color environment in the evening.
The monumental sculpture has become a landmark in the community, operating as an energetic focal point where people congregate for events, stop on their evening walks, pose for photos, or duck under to escape the noise of the surrounding city. Visitors to Chinook Arc have complete control over the lighting through an optical sensor that projects the movements and colors it sees onto the sculpture. Visitors can wave their hands, move colored objects, or play a movie on any smart device to create their unique light sequences.
piole Kabuto, Himeji, Japan, 2014
piole Kabuto is an abstract sculpture made from polished stainless steel. It is made from many curved scales that fit together in a way reminiscent of the roof tiles at Himeji Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site that can be seen from the rooftop the sculpture sits upon. The effect is to marry the modern materials and clean aesthetic of the piole shopping center with forms and construction methods used in Himeji Castle and the traditional architecture of the region. The form is inspired by Samurai helmets (Kabuto) and the Kuwagata beetle that inspired these helmets.
The shape of the sculpture invites visitors to take a seat or lift their children for photographs. At night, visitors can control the color of two optical projectors that cast sharp shadows of them sitting on the sculpture onto the large white walls of the mall where they are visible from up to one mile away.
Aurora, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2023
Aurora celebrates the universal connection we all share with the sky. From coast to coast to coast, the rippling dance of color and light captivates our imaginations as we look up and wonder. From the rolling foothills to rocky tundra, winding rivers, and mountain meadows, the sky unites us all.
The sounds of Aurora take us on a journey through the seasons and landscapes of Canada. Listen for the crash of bighorn sheep horns, the call of Canada geese migrating home, or the crunch of polar bear paws on the packed snow. The heartbeat of Aurora is a Blackfoot drum, whose songs echo through the seasons and welcome us to the traditional lands of the Blackfoot people.
Aurora brought together a team of artists with unique perspectives and artistic visions to weave a multi-dimensional experience.
Din Don, Kobe, Japan, 1992/2016
Din Don was created in 1992 for a shopping mall in Kobe, Japan. At 22 feet high, the sculpture was designed to be larger than life and is located in a vast atrium. The sculpture was placed near the main entrance of the shopping center to greet guests and set a tone of excitement and fun.
In 2016, Creative Machines was called to refurbish the iconic sculpture. The sculpture was disassembled and shipped to Creative Machines in Tucson, AZ. The ball machine was then modified to increase reliability, provide additional safety, and draw more attention. This design and fabrication work was approached in a way that captured the original essence of Din Don as designed by George Rhoads. With this recent restoration, Din Don will continue to amuse and entertain audiences for years to come.
Envision the extraordinary possibilities that await when art, innovation, and imagination converge. If you're inspired to bring a touch of Creative Machines to your corner of the world, we'd love to connect. Whether you're considering an awe-inspiring sculpture, an interactive installation, or a unique artistic endeavor, let's explore how we can turn your vision into a tangible masterpiece. Reach out to us, and together, let's embark on a creative journey that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting legacy.
About Creative Machines
At Creative Machines, we believe that the key to successful projects lies in effective collaboration with our clients and their communities. Our highly effective hands-on engagement process allows us to fully understand our client's needs, goals, and vision, and also work closely with their community as we design and create the artwork installation that they will know and love for many years to come. With our process, we ensure that our clients are involved in every step of the way, from ideation to final product delivery, resulting in a final product that not only meets but exceeds their expectations. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality, and engaging experiences that bring your ideas to life.
Questions?
Our experienced team of artists, architects, project managers, engineers, and fabricators are waiting to hear from you. Whether you have questions, are requesting a quote, or need information about a custom interactive experience, we want to hear from you!
published on February 7, 2024
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