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Tom Shannon 'Dancer'

Discover the kinetic sculpture that sits at the heart of the Shanghai Science Museum

'Dancer' (Right Side) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Artist and inventor

Tom Shannon's work explores the balance between science, natural forces, and human perception.

'Dancer' (Audience) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Science in art

His concept-driven sculptures and paintings investigate ideas such as magnetism, gravity, and balance, translating complex phenomena into physical, experiential forms.

'Dancer' (Middle) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

A captivating sculpture

Dancer is installed at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.

'Dancer' (Intersection) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

The making

Dancer was fabricated at UAP's Qidong workshop. It is made up of four elliptical spheres crafted from polished stainless steel, interconnected by solid shafts.

'Dancer' (Engagement) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

A unique project

Dancer requires a delicate balance of art, the popularisation of science and technology, drawing on various disciplines such as mechanics and structural engineering.

'Dancer' (Triangle) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Irrational numbers

Two important irrational numbers are at play: pi (π) and phi (ϕ). These numbers are universal in nature and contribute to the fundamental structure and spontaneous aesthetics of the universe.

'Dancer' (Stack) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

The height and width

The height of the central cross-section of the sculptured ellipse is variable, while its width is ϕ (approximately 1.618) times that of the ellipse.

'Dancer' (Reflection) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

The length

Additionally, the length of the elliptical shape is π (approximately 3.1416) times its width, both of which stem from the mathematical relationship between π and the golden ratio.

'Dancer' (Top) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Infinity

π and ϕ are infinite. This symbolises concepts of infinity and exploration of the unknown. In 'Dancer', these two proportions are skillfully intertwined, creating a geometric artistic expression that is both visually captivating and thought-provoking.

'Dancer' (Left Side) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

A smooth and dynamic visual

When the bottom sphere is pushed, the entire sculpture sways gently. The movement is designed to engage an interactive audience.

'Dancer' (Root) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

It is a dance

The slow, graceful motions mirror the rhythm of dancers in choreography.

'Dancer' (Final Install) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Themes

This artwork features elliptical forms reminiscent of seeds. At its core, the artwork delves into themes of gravity, balance, and stability.

'Dancer' (Far View) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

Engage and interact

Shannon's project invite viewers to engage with the mysteries of the physical world.

'Dancer' (Top Front) (2026) by Tom ShannonUrban Art Projects

A balance act

As participants push the large device, they experience the magic of shifting feelings and balance that ties the sculpture together.

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