My sculptures of Oamaru stone (New Zealand limestone) evolved into a “4th dimension” style as a challenge to myself. This initial challenge resulted in a rectangular cube (could have easily been a square) with a line running through some part of each edge (12 edges) without intersecting itself (sculpture #10). When I say “4th dimension”, this style should/could be visualized from all sides, or at least from more than one position. Because of the white or near white color the light across the surface changes the appearance on the surface. There are six possible viewing surfaces of a cube. There is not a preference by the artist as to a preferred side or surface for display purposes. It is rather the preference of the owner, exhibitor or curator. How it is displayed will enhance the viewing, ie: sun moving across a window developing different shadows changing the surface. Changing the position of the piece allows for the sun to show “alternatives” of the surfaces. Also, newer pieces do not have a cube or square shape but are more varied in structure but still are able to be displayed in multiple positions. There is a signature mark, but that is only to identify the “maker” but not a preference of position for display. Also, these pieces of art are typically non-functional. The limitations of this art is size (i.e. a one ton block carved on all sides) can be changed and all surfaces can be a part of the “art” it is not practical to do so without mechanical equipment. So I feel “4th dimension” pieces have to be “easily” changed in position by “human power”, but not necessarily limited to that and still can be called “4th dimension art”. The position of the pieces should be changed to enjoy the creator’s attempts to provide a “different view” of the same piece of art.
Mobiles might be considered an intermediary form from the 3 dimensional form (can be viewed three dimensionally by moving around it, but it not designed to be viewed from all surfaces or changed in position). The mobile is usually hung or suspended in some way allowing the viewer to see all “4″ or more surfaces (“top, bottom, and sides”). However the mobile is usually “fixed” in some way so it cannot be moved or changed from that suspension, however, the “4th dimension” form is mobile and able to be changed to a different viewing angle.
Different media can be used such as glass, stone, wood, metal, etc., but the “4th dimension” aspect should be maintained under my definition. Ideally a piece of “4th dimension” art could be displayed on a clear revolving platform on a mirrored surface to reflect the “under” side of the piece. Since this is usually not possible, the piece should have a change in position and a source of light to display the uniqueness of this art form.