The Gwangju Rocks App

An art project by Tommy Støckel commissioned for the 11th Gwangju Biennale.

The Gwangju Rocks is an art project by Tommy Støckel commissioned for the 11th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea.

The project consists of two parts: the first is a group of 24 sculptures resembling rocks shown in the Biennale exhibition halls, and the second a corresponding digital keyboard with 24 animated rock-characters to be downloaded by people for their communication on smartphones and tablets.

The Gwangju Rocks are based on actual rocks found in the city of Gwangju – placed as “nature sculptures” in the city’s gardens and parks. The artist made 3D scans of a selection of six rocks, simplified and animated each to appear as a digital character with individual behaviour and distinct characteristics, similar to classic emoji characters.

In the Biennale exhibition, each emoji-expression is presented as a physical object captured in a moment of its action, where this momentary shape becomes an intriguing classical sculpture. However, The Gwangju Rocks are

digital characters and primarily exist as animated rock-sculptures.

Originating from the Korean cityscape they accompany you in your everyday mobile communication!

Now say it with a rock!

Tommy Støckel is a Danish artist based in Berlin.

www.tommystockel.net

Concept, character development and animation: Tommy Støckel

App development and -design: Mobilinga GmbH

© 2016

www.gwangjubiennale.org

www.the8thclimate.org