Beetle Sphere: Artist Rolls Up Volkswagen Bug Into A Ball (PICTURES)

PICS: Artist Rolls Up Volkswagen Bug Into A Beetle Sphere
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It's not exactly news that the Volkswagen Beetle takes some of its influence from the insect world.

But it doesn't usually look quite like this.

Indonesian artist Ichwan Noor has literally rolled up a Volkswagen Bug into a perfect sphere for his latest artwork.

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The 1953 Yellow Beetle was combined with aluminium and polyester to create the rolled-up effect for the work, which is being exhibited at Art Basel Hong Kong.

The sculpture sold for about $88,000 according to the Japan Times.

Noor has actually rolled up five of the vehicles in his career. In a statement the artist said:

"The idea emerged from a personal perception towards objects that are products of a "transportation culture", which induces hints/signs of spiritual emotion. To behold a vehicle (car) is to have a "magical" (supernatural) identity. Sculptures represent the interaction between humans and the object realm, with strong spiritual tension that affects the subconscious, and that yields a new "animistic" attitude.

By combining the techniques of manipulation and substitution, the form of this sculpture tends toward realistic distortion, which allows new interpretations about the object (car), as a shift in perception that creates an associative meaning. The sculpture's visual form yields an impression of a sphere - the basis of all forms. The shape of a car is pressed onto the spherical form, producing a dynamic movement, a certain flexibility, but also fragility. It is a concept of "totems" that is embraced/believed by the people of today."

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