Rexlab 3d Print Concrete Manfred Kielnhofer Guardians of Time Art Design Architecture 350 2017

This large sculpture called Guardians of Time was 3D printed in concrete by Manfred Kielnhofer. The hooded figure recalls images of monks or even the Grim Reaper, yet it is presented here as a 'guardian'. The sculpture's title suggests a concern with the passage of time, a theme often explored in art. However, the use of 3D printing technology brings a contemporary twist. This digital fabrication method raises questions about the role of technology in shaping our cultural artifacts and collective memories. Made in our current moment, the sculpture also speaks to the changing landscape of art production and consumption. Digital technologies have democratized access to tools and platforms for artistic creation, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world. To understand this work better, one might research the history of 3D printing in art and architecture, alongside the cultural symbolism of hooded figures in Western art. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is shaped by the social and institutional contexts in which it is produced and displayed.