Art & Technology #1:
Richard Dupont

The philosophical import of Dupont’s Busts

Dupont has investigated themes, such as, the human body in its natural state, human consciousness, and identity. Dupont received a B.A. in Visual Art, Art, and Archaeology from Princeton University, where his interest in history and the philosophical topic of existence began. Dupont insists that his works are "not visual, but philosophical." Indeed, in all of his art, Dupont has constantly raised questions concerning the essence of human existence. His sculptural self-portraits are a key part of his oeuvre. By distorting his own face and body, the artist ponders the notion of identity and individuality in contemporary society, notions that are affected by technology. Dupont suggests that an individual’s self-perception is, in fact, always distorted, flawed, and thus removed from their objective existence in reality. Dupont’s work demands that its viewers reflect on this point and recognize their limited perspectives as well as their passive consumption of civilization’s images.

3D technology and the ego

Dupont began working with 3D digital scanning technology in 2002, nearly twelve years ago, when he was searching for the means to visualize his ego. At the time, few people knew or used the technology, making it difficult for Dupont to find a company that could quickly create his models. Despite facing various obstacles and limitations, Dupont successfully completed a laser scanning of his entire body, creating a 3D digital model of himself. Since then, Dupont has presented works that distort and modify his scanned image. Not limiting himself to sculpture and installations, Dupont has also worked in a wide range of media, ranging from drawing, prints, animation, and painting.

Technological leap

Dupont's more recent works reflect the various technological improvements made in 3D printing and scanning. Over a period of only a few years, industrial fabrication advanced by leaps and bounds. Model manufacturers became far easier to find, technological means were diversified, and new, more task-specific technologies became available for the artist to use. Materials and media formerly unrelated to art, such as synthetic resins (plastics), polyurethane and silicone, became available, although Dupont notes that he continues to use bronze, aluminum, plaster casting and plastic so that his latest work may maintain a link to his past works. Dupont mainly uses SLA and SLS⑴ systems, making use of these technologies for finer and more abundant expressions in his work.

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⑴ There are various types of 3D systems: FDM, SLA, SLS, EBM, DLP, LOM, 3DP³, etc. Stereo Lithography Apparatus (SLA) uses photoreactive, ultraviolet curable resin that responds to a particular wavelength of light. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technique uses lasers as the power source for sintering powdered materials, binding the materials to create a solid structure.