The Gwangju Rocks App

The Gwangju Rocks is an art project by Tommy Støckel commissioned for the 11th Gwangju Biennale in South Korea.

The project consists of two parts: the first is a group of 24 sculptures resembling rocks shown in the Biennale exhibition halls, and the second a corresponding digital keyboard with 24 animated rock-characters to be downloaded by people for their communication on smartphones and tablets.

The Gwangju Rocks are based on actual rocks found in the city of Gwangju – placed as “nature sculptures” in the city’s gardens and parks. The artist made 3D scans of a selection of six rocks, simplified and animated each to appear as a digital character with individual behaviour and distinct characteristics, similar to classic emoji characters.

In the Biennale exhibition, each emoji-expression is presented as a physical object captured in a moment of its action, where this momentary shape becomes an intriguing classical sculpture. However, The Gwangju Rocks are

digital characters and primarily exist as animated rock-sculptures.

Originating from the Korean cityscape they accompany you in your everyday mobile communication!

Now say it with a rock!

Tommy Støckel is a Danish artist based in Berlin.

www.tommystockel.net

Concept, character development and animation: Tommy Støckel

App development and -design: Mobilinga GmbH

© 2016

www.gwangjubiennale.org

www.the8thclimate.org