Concept
Curved Kites
The Curved Kites collection shows arrangements of a series of so-called curved kites, whose dimensions correspond to Fibonacci numbers. A curved kite is an interesting geometric figure that resembles a stingray or a curved kite.
The edge of a curved kite consists of three quarter circles. The two small quarter circles of the same size meet in the pointed tail of the kite. The large quarter circle connects the other ends of the small quarter circles and meets them at a 45° angle.
If the small quarter circles have a radius r, then the large quarter circle has a radius R = √2·r.
A curved kite has the amazing property that its area is exactly r², where r is the radius of the small quarter circles. Consequently, this curved kite has the area of the square in which one of its quarter circles is embedded (see figure below). The curved kite thus shows a kind of “squaring of the circles”.
Foto: © 2024 Gauthier Cerf. All rights reserved.
Curved Kite Magic Tree S
The 34 x 34 cm Curved Kite Magic Tree S is the smaller version of the Curved Kite Magic Tree (89 x 89 cm). It also differs in that it floats in a box frame with museum glass.
The Curved Kite Magic Tree is created when the curved kites are nested vertically according to their Fibonacci size, with the sharp tips all starting at the same point at the top. The kites are stacked so that the larger kites come to rest in front of the smaller ones. Because the larger kites have thinner tips and are longer, parts of the wings and tips of all the kites remain visible, and all (infinitely many) kites and their colours can be seen at the origin of the figure. At the last pixel of the tip, all kites overlap.
The superimposition creates a wing-like figure, which for many takes on the shape of a fir tree, from which the image takes its name. The colours of the Magic Tree were chosen with a red gradient that runs from light (for the small kites) to dark (for the larger ones) (similar to the Curved Kite Dragon’s Tail).
The magic is created when the tree unfolds its three-dimensionality in the eye of the beholder and leads to the lava-like abyss in the underworld of a golden surface. Or when it becomes a pagoda in a Japanese garden, a place of contemplation and inner peace, a bridge between the natural and spiritual worlds.