By Culture24 Staff

A futuristic "sci-fi" sculpture made with inflated stainless steel in a symbol of space and time will provide a gateway to a Tyneside science park. The sculpture aims to match the innovation of the science park

The 5.5 meter tall, 250 kilograms Plexus has been made with a "blown" technique, expanding and stretching 31 reflective coloured panels in a symbolic gateway to the North East Technology Park in Sedgefield, County Durham.

Plexus is made from 31 coloured stainless steel panels

It was crafted by metal expert Stephen Newby after the artist won a public competition run by Arts Council England North East and local councils.

He explained “The process of inflating stainless steel creates slightly different results each time, so each section of Plexus has its own autonomy while functioning as part of a unique structure.”
He added “The sections taper into the tail of the structure to suggest the way the Park pushes at the boundaries of science, engineering and technology.”

Mr Matthew Jarrett, of the Arts Council's Commissions North project, said the piece reflected the Park’s innovative ambitions with a "forward-looking image".

He said “"We were excited about the technology Stephen uses to inflate the steel. Often the arts can be a great way to communicate science to the wider public - as well as being a gateway sculpture for NETPark. It also relates to ideas of change and transformation, which are key to the groundbreaking and cutting edge work being created at the science park.”

Pictures by Mr Adam Lawrenson

(Sourced from Culture24)