Malbin
Objects of Finitude
3D Sugar Cast Objects
Sugar is a truly decadent medium. To illustrate finitude, ephemeral objects and materials are particularly appealing. To make finite work, that is, work that is not finished or ended, but rather work that has a definite life. Finitude, after all, is the basis for all joy. The fact that something will end is where all of its inherent pleasure is derived. Sugar is also edible, obviously, and this creates a paradoxical dynamic when fabricating something precious of esculent substrate.
Time sensitive or (more importantly) perishable work (the work itself will end or die) because the sentiment it strives to convey is in itself finite and short-lived. The “self-destructive contingencies of indulgence” are directly and concretely represented through sugar. The playing of the record is an enjoyable moment, but as one plays the record, the record itself begins to deteriorate. This highlights many conceptually important elements. The piece is pleasure giving, but in playing it, the user is fully aware of the irrevocable damage being done, and therefore is forced to acknowledge its finiteness.