Aero-graphy is a process of writing or recording the air (Aero: from Greek āer meaning air, and Graphy: from Greek graphiā meaning to write). In this workshop, we will think of ways to create phenomena with air, and to record these with pencils, paper, cameras, sculpture and sound. Each day we will consider how a specific artist (or group) makes air visible or tangible. A very important part of this process will be experimenting with clouds, smoke, vapor, wind, fire, breath, dust, inflation, balloons, kites and light.

By working with air – the opposite of the traditional building blocks of architecture – students will expand their understanding of the definition of “architecture,” “art” and “material”. They will also gain valuable knowledge on the role that air plays in making built environments inhabitable and enjoyable.

In this workshop we will study the work of these artists (among others):  Tomás Saraceno, Theo Jansen, Amy Balkin, HeHe, Yves Klein, Otto Piene, Fujiko Nakaya, Heather and Ivan Morison.

Task: The workshop tasks will change throughout the semester. Students will have the opportunity to experiment with drawing, chemistry, photography, video and sculpture. For example, a workshop on the formation of clouds may include making white vapor, and / or small colored smoke-bombs that can be safely detonated and photographed. Another workshop on air’s materiality may include using magnifying lenses to make detailed drawings of dust. The students will also join the graduate seminar on Becoming Aero Solar for one “solar sculpture” workshop with Tomás Saraceno, during which we will build objects that can fly with the sun.