TechArt
© Sam Rentmeester
How does technology inspire artists? In this feature, an artist explains.
Luuk Meints
So real
Text Katja Wijnands
Since graduating in 2015, Architecture and the Built Environment (A+BE) alumnus and light artist Luuk Meints has been working with other artists and helping them create their projects. “I did a master’s degree in architectural engineering which also involves thinking specifically about how to make things”, says Meints.
The challenge with his work Koki’o lay in figuring out how to capture the essence of a flower in light. “How could you make something artificial look natural? What exactly makes a flower a flower?” The result: a digital flower field made up of a hundred luminous flowers.The challenge with his work Koki’o lay in figuring out how to capture the essence of a flower in light. “How could you make something artificial look natural? What exactly makes a flower a flower?” The result: a digital flower field made up of a hundred luminous flowers.
The name Koki’o comes from the almost extinct Kokia Cookei flower found in Hawaii, of which only a few specimens are still cultivated. Just like Koki’o, without people they would not be here. “Each luminous flower is unique, just like real flowers.”
Meints organised workshops where participants designed their own flower using open source 3D software. “Together with the participants, I was able to make the field even more diverse – some designs I could never have come up with myself.” He then printed them using a 3D printer. He also involved participants in the colour programming. “Due to their design, some flowers capture the different light colours really beautifully.”
His installation was on display along the innovative art and technology route Highlight Delft in February. Other TUers who also took part included IDE guest lecturer Dieter Vandoren, IDE alumnus Aidan Wyber, 3mE professor Volkert van der Wijk and A+BE alumni Sabrina Verhage and Jan Willem Hagenbeek.
The next Highlight Delft will take place from 15 to 17 February 2024.