The human heart, with its intricate structure and profound significance, has become the focal point of Alastair Gibson‘s artistic exploration. Through his series of sculptures called Engineered Emotion, Gibson delves into the complexity of the heart, using carbon fibre as his medium to represent its various components and evoke a deeper understanding of our emotions.
Drawing on his background as a chief mechanic in the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula One, Gibson employs his engineering expertise to meticulously craft anatomically correct representations of the human heart. He uses layers of carbon fibre sheets, a malleable material that, when cured under high pressure and heat, acquires a taut finish resembling the tissues and membranes that make up the heart wall. The atriums, arteries, and veins are formed using ABS, a durable and impact-resistant material known for its toughness.
Gibson’s Engineered Emotion sculptures not only demonstrate his technical mastery but also embody a profound exploration of the interplay between the heart and mind. They offer a reflection on what triggers our emotions and how we experience and recognise them. While emotions originate in the brain, they are often palpably felt in the heart, a concept that Gibson aims to capture and express through his artwork.
The collection comprises five limited-edition iterations, each representing a different emotional sentiment. The sculptures, named Heart Of Passion, Brave Heart, Heart Of Gold, Pure Heart, and Sweet Heart, are available in vibrant colours such as red, purple, gold, white, and pink. The ventricles of each piece are coated with a tinted UV-resistant finish, adding a luminous quality to the sculptures. Additionally, Gibson offers bespoke versions of his desk-mounted sculptures, acknowledging the unique emotional landscapes that each individual possesses.
Gibson’s deep connection to the racing world, where emotions run high, is evident in his artwork. The elaborate yet purposeful structure of the heart, with its circuit-like flow of blood, bears echoes of the racetracks he was immersed in for over two decades. To further emphasise this connection, he incorporates titanium fuel and hydraulic fittings from modern Grand Prix race cars into his sculptures. This infusion of racing elements allows for a comprehensive examination of an organ that is typically unseen but undeniably sensed. Through his art, Gibson offers us a window into the self that is not easily accessible.
“A human heart is the ultimate pump,” says Gibson. “When compared to any other pump in engineering, be it an oil pump on a Grand Prix engine or a hydraulic pump on an aircraft, there is no comparison in terms of sophistication or design. Taking care of our ‘pump’ encompasses not only our physical health but also being conscious of the entirety of the human experience.”
While the life-size Engineered Emotion hearts are limited to only 16 sculptures per artwork in the series, three of the pieces—Heart Of Passion, Brave Heart, and Heart Of Gold—will be scaled up and integrated into Gibson’s most exciting project to date. This new endeavor explores the use of solid carbon fibre as a medium, building upon his previous captivating works such as God Save The African Queen, a majestic depiction of a human skull, and Carbon King, a powerful portrayal of a lion’s head.
The striking red, purple, and gold hearts will occupy a central position in Gibson’s forthcoming project, set to be unveiled in 2023. This project promises to captivate viewers with its potential for performance and provocation. By employing solid carbon fibre, Gibson creates a deliberate contrast in the visual presentation of the material, offering an alternative and groundbreaking perspective through the larger piece’s unique woven texture.
Represented by ArtÓ gallery, Alastair Gibson continues to captivate the art world with his thought-provoking sculptures. His choice to work with carbon fibre brings a combination of meticulous craftsmanship and care to his art. Through his artwork, he prompts us to contemplate our place in the modern world, the impact of AI and technology, and the fusion of creative vision with personal experience. Alastair Gibson’s use of carbon fibre hearts makes a direct comment on this juxtaposition, inviting us to explore the intersection of art and technology.
