Panamarenko – Polistes, 1990 – Mixed Media

Iron, polyurethane, cellophane, aluminium (green).

Polistes (1990) by Panamarenko is a compact sculptural object made from iron, polyurethane, cellophane, and aluminum, measuring 13 x 50.3 x 26 cm. This green, streamlined form resembles a futuristic, miniature concept vehicle with aerodynamic curves and minimalist detailing. The name “Polistes,” referring to a genus of wasps, suggests associations with flight, agility, and bio-engineering. The work reflects Panamarenko’s ongoing fascination with the intersection of technology and nature, imagination and engineering. With its organic yet mechanical aesthetic, this piece blurs the boundary between model and machine, aligning with the artist’s broader vision of speculative invention and movement.

Panamarenko (Belgium, 1940–2019) was a visionary artist and inventor celebrated for his fantastical flying machines, submarines, and vehicles. Blending art, science, and engineering, his works reflected a playful yet profound exploration of human ambition and technological possibilities. Iconic creations like Aeromodeller embody his imaginative approach to art and innovation.

Panamarenko

Polistes, 1990

Form

Sculpture / Object

Sculpture / ObjectA sculpture is a three-dimension object made using any one of the basic sculpting processes. These include carving, casting, constructing or modeling. Carving materials may be bone, ivory, stone or wood. Modeling and casting use clay or wax, while constructions glue materials together.

Medium

Mixed Media

Mixed MediaMixed media refers to artwork that incorporates more than one medium within a single piece. Unlike multimedia art, which combines distinct forms of visual art and often includes elements like sound, video, or digital media, mixed media focuses on combining traditional art materials, such as paint, ink, and collage. Mixed media art allows artists to achieve a wide range of effects and textures by layering and blending different materials.

Edition

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Iron, polyurethane, cellophane, aluminium (green).

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Is there anything scarier than growing up? Adults have no imagination.

- Panamarenko

Renowned for modeling his work on aerodynamic engineering, Henri Van Herwegen - creating under the pseudonym of Panamarenko - is a mixed-media assemblagist whose work heavily features flying vehicles such as zeppelins, helicopters, and most notably aeroplanes; among his most acclaimed sculptures is his gallery-sized airship, Aeromodeller, and as is the case with other such works as Scotch Gambit, the machine’s flying capability is untested and as yet unknown – a purposely ironic nod to the Myth of Icarus. Panamarenko’s early career was heavily influenced by the Pop Art movement, as well as the works of Picasso and Beuys, but he soon developed an interest in human powered flights and began to create work pertaining to aviation and engineering as a metaphor for human exploration, hope and failure. (Artist website)

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Panamarenko