Created by Vienna-based artist Anna Zimmermann, 'Vessels of Imperfection' is a striking collection of aluminum vessels that redefine traditional aesthetics in metal casting.
In collaboration with craftsman Martin Petermann, this series showcases a profound appreciation for the inherent flaws that emerge during the casting process.
In conventional metalwork, seams and other irregularities are meticulously removed to create a perfect finish. However, Zimmermann and Petermann challenge this norm by making these imperfections the centerpiece of their work. The collection is the result of a nine-month exploration of metal casting techniques, where the duo delved deeply into traditional methods while infusing them with a fresh, intuitive approach.
The technique at the heart of this collection is sand casting, which involves the use of upper and lower sand-filled boxes to create molds. The process begins by shaping a model in the sand to form a void, which is then filled with molten metal. The interface between the two mold halves produces a distinctive seam, often regarded as excess material to be removed in standard practices. Yet, in "Vessels of Imperfection," this seam is intentionally preserved and emphasized, transforming what is typically discarded into a defining feature of each vessel.
