Amazing art created by computers

Madyson Grant — Where do computers go when they die? Some waste away in landfills; the lucky enjoy reincarnation through recycling; but a select few are finding a new life as stunning works of art.

Using tools from low-tech torches to high-tech CNC plasma cutters, modern artists are transforming everything from computers to blenders to washing machines into art. Some pieces are eerie, some are cute, and some are downright gorgeous. Artistic innovators make sculptures, jewelry and even functional accessories out of the bits of technology time forgot.

WEEE Man might be the poster child of this curious art movement. WEEE Man is a monolith, clocking in at 23 feet tall, created as a statement against improper disposal of electronics. Computer mouse teeth and washing machine door eyes compose a shiver-worthy reminder of the relics we leave behind. He is made from 3.3 tons of material, the amount a single UK citizen will toss in a lifetime.

On the other end of the spectrum are the silversmithing creations of the Steampunk movement. If WEE Man is the artistic poster child of technology-as-art, Steampunk is the poster ideology. It is the picture of taking the old and forgotten and transforming it into elegance. Steampunk jewelry frequently uses discarded tubes, gears, nuts and bolts in their fashion statements.

Others still prefer to take what was once functional and make it functional again. Circuit boards are being made into notebook covers, lampshades and tissue box holders. Keyboard keys are flaunted as tiles on purses. Cassette tapes are transformed into coin purses.

Some of the more complex artwork is mind-boggling. Many artists use computers to make art of the old computers. Heavy-duty, computer-driven plasma cutters can be used to make practically any shape out of old electronics parts. The resulting artwork can be as simple as a nifty clock face or as in-depth as a topographical map. These cool tools can be found online at websites like www.ronmack.com.au.

Others still, like Jeremy Meyer, use neither glue nor torches in their amazing creations. Meyer uses typewriter parts to build cyborg-like statues of people and animals. Italian artist Franco Recchia uses whole parts to create miniature cityscapes. WEE Man required a crane to put all the pieces in place.

Trash-to-treasure artwork is not a new concept, but the new wave of high-tech art is an intriguing twist. With technology's high turnover rate, it's refreshing to see new life breathed into obsolete equipment.

 

About the Author

Madyson Grant loves spending time with family and in the outdoors. She is currently blogging about fun and new things to try with photography on behalf of smartpress.com online printing company.