Elsha Thapa

Runnn

The sculpture Runnn is part of the Rat Race collection. It is an interactive Kinetic Sculpture. It is stretched out in order to provide a clear view of all the components that are shared between this piece and Run and Runn. The circle illustrates the vicious cycle of the rat race. While running, the path never ends, and we do not realize that we are circling. The 108 pattern pieces are joined together using 72 rivets, 90 grommets and 36 jump rings with a total of 198 pieces of hardware. 2 rivets join the 3 pieces as a single piece, resulting in 36 individual joined patterns with 72 rivets. The 36 patterns are joined at 4 different places alternating each pattern using 108 grommets. At the top of the sculpture, 18 grommets and 36 jump rings are used to connect it to the acrylic circle. A total of 18 jump rings are used to join the sculpture at 18 different points on the bottom of the metal hoop. A retractable badge holder connects these 18 points, allowing them to be pulled out or pushed in.

“Sculpture and Fashion Design - both liberal arts - have invariably influenced my designs. While I take inspiration from the silhouette of garments and human figures, my fascination with the visual arts leads me to create kinetic sculptures. This is not an act of rebellion or change; rather, the motive here is more to affirm and accept personal expression. It is a continuation of what has been, and it looks toward the future of what will be. A passion for creating new things led me to establish Amalgamated Composition since 2021. It consists of a series of kinetic sculpture prototypes created with waste and donated materials to change perceptions and ideas about them. Reducing our carbon footprint is of paramount importance in today’s world and that is precisely the reason I have resolved to upcycle discarded materials to create something fascinating. "Rat race" is Amalgamated Composition's debut collection. A set of three performative kinetic sculptures were developed and titled Run, Runn, and Runnn respectively. The three sculptures are being asked to do their due diligence by captivating the audience's attention, giving them a moment of “aha”. In essence, their names are satires on nature or on the concept of a "rat race" and the fear of competing. My designs are carved based on human figures but not for them, displaying independence in the way they are crafted. It does not thrive on the combination of two dominant genres; instead, it evolves into a new, that is ready, ready-to-run – The Rat Race.”