As I have introduced in my previous post, I’m now working on a new installation here at arte_FITS.Foundation using molecular structure as an architectural modules. The aim is creating a site-specific environment, redefining a space as new, using nautical knots as a structural module to engineer the all installation. This work is like sketching and tinkering in space and born thanks to the support and collaboration of Arte_FITS.Foundation in Dorado Puerto Rico. This is a concept (and technique) I never attempted, nor tested and guided by 2 fundamental idea: -The democratic concept that every thing that exist in the universe, inducing us , is build of basic module and building blocks called atoms and molecules -The concept (and challenge) of building complex architecture and engineer a structure using a “soft” and primordial building tool such knots. A tool that is highly technical, durable, versatile and sculptural, used from a rage of application from building, sailing, tapestries, embroidery and so on. The idea of working with ropes and knots is not new to my work. This work however, is in part inspired by “il nodo e il chiodo” a book I recently pick up again by Adriano Sofri, whom was my professor in sociology at the Fine Art academy in Florence. 
Among other things this book explore the cultural need of dividing the world in 2. A polarization explored in a rage of idea and symbology : female – male, left – right, creative mind- non creative mind, devil-angel all tight together using the metaphor the knot and the nail. Here the female energy is associated to the knots (female, left, creative mind, devil, etc) and the male to the nail. The knot binds and weaves without disrupting the material it is binding, the nail penetrates by force disrupting the material is binding into. here is a link to it on Google Books https://books.google.com/books/about/Il_nodo_e_il_chiodo.html?id=H8DbQQAACAAJ Going back to molecules. We have this perception of our existence where we are special and separate from all living things. We distance ourselves to foster this idea, build cities and interne societies to distance and protect our self form nature, a disconnect that lead us to believe we are special and in some cases selected by god generating hams to both our environment and our society . This however, is not the reality. The truth is that the evolution of the species we call human it’s a random and beautiful serious event and consequence of events that crated DNA. And, at the core of this module of life are molecules. Molecule are the modules are the building blocks of life as we know it. We all come from the same molecules. Our existence is defined by different combination of such molecules. Not only we share the same ancestors of any living thing inducing bacteria, but scientifically speaking we are made and we are breathing our past. Every molecule of air was once inhaled by someone else, was once part of a leaving form, and it has been regenerating itself over and over again through history, because molecule don’t die. With the idea in mind, I began to think o a way to use molecule as a sculptural module to create installation that allow people to play with the space and as well as reflect on the making of the life that surrounds us .
Molecule combines into hexagon structures which can be defined as the ultimate architecture of this planet if not of the universe. Recreating the Hexagon into a complex series of knots, I created a web like that I used to sculpt the space creating playful and colorful environment where for people to play in and meditate in. Due to its time restrains, the production of this work was border line painful . Just imagine the amount of knots it take to crate a shape then add the time it takes to make it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKR4LSrgvcC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKR4HaNgKDF/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ3l8eggI2p/
To keep my mind sane ad my body form cramping, I introduced a fitness regime and a rigid scheduled: waking up at 6 , swimming from an hour to 2 hour and then lock my self in to the studio until night with some short food brake. In the swimming, I included underwater training as it helps keeping the mind focus. To swimming long stretches underwater one mind needs to be clear of thought. Thinking burns oxygen, reducing one ability to stay underwater. Overthinking, buns you out and reduces the one ability to stay focus. 
The space I selected for the installation is a transitional space between a water sports club and a bar/restaurant. To combine the two spaces I choose to use colorful nylon ropes, evoking the materials and engineering used in nautical rigging and extreme sports equipment. The knots and the ropes connected the 2 spaces, wile the vibrant colors the ropes dance on the gray concrete background attracting the eye and the curiosity of bystander, transforming a neutral bypassing area in the center of attraction.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ1XDUeAeyR/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKURaE0goqO/?taken-by=maiaape
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUNj2OAahL/?taken-by=maiaape
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUNs1JAp61/?taken-by=maiaape
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUNxyxg8LA/?taken-by=maiaape
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUN9LbAxrT/?taken-by=maiaape
The name “string theory” is refers to the “string” or ropes that the work is made of , as well as to area of science studying the smallest particle of matter called string theory. “String theory is a theoretical framework in which the point-like particles of particle physics are replaced by one-dimensional objects called strings. It describes how these strings propagate through space and interact with each other.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/String_theory To finish the work, I created a carpet of water molecule like shaped sculptures made with knots. Water is most basic and most precious molecule on earth is water. Water is made by to small hydrogen atoms attached to a large and oxygen atoms. Without it, life on the earth will be impossible. The original plan was to cover the entire area with such sculptures. Unfortunately, as I explain in my previous post, this was a spirit of the moment kind of work with a very tight time line.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUOQy0gFHN/?taken-by=maiaape
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKUOHebgu0M/?taken-by=maiaape
Never in my career I exposed my work to the public unless previously thought out in all details. Now, I look at this work as a 3-dimetional drawing exercise. I am extremely grateful to Carolina and are arte_FITS for allowing this moment of freedom and experimentation to take place on Dorado’s grounds. With the growing competition in the art world, it is refreshing have freedom of experiment new concepts (and possibly to fail) , working with an art institution the deeply understands the the process of art making and is willing collaborate with the artists supporting risk-taking ideas. I would probably never attempt to do this work if it wasn’t for such mutual understanding. I would’ve been, too preoccupied in making sure everything fits perfectly, that everything had a purpose, previously thought out and tested. “arte_FITS. Foundation” however, supports ephemeral artwork an artist they are willing measure them self with the surrounding taking risks, often using uncharted media and strategies. I wish more foundations and institution could allow the opportunity for the expected to happened. Thank you art fit foundation for your support.