Punching Bag

Punching Bag

"Punching Bag" reimagines a familiar object, transforming it into something both provocative and evocative. Crafted from MDF sheets and shaped using a 3-axis CNC router, the sculpture takes on the appearance of an object we associate with physical exertion and aggression: a punching bag. However, it deviates from expectation in several ways.

The surface of the sculpture is intricately carved with a pattern reminiscent of knurling, the losange-shaped grips commonly found on dumbbells and barbells. Amplified and exaggerated, these shapes take on a more menacing quality—sharp, pointed, almost like pikes—inviting the viewer to reconsider the function of the bag. No longer a passive object for blows, this bag "strikes back," transforming from a tool of aggression into one of potential harm.

The rectangular body of the sculpture culminates in a pyramid at its base, constructed from triangular mirrors found in the street and affixed to a 3D printed structure. The reflective and dynamic surfaces contrast with the dense, textured body, creating a sense of balance between the grounded and the ethereal. The mirrored pyramid, ending the shape, hints at ritualistic significance, suggesting that the sculpture, with its pendulum-like form, might be part of a ceremonial process, or perhaps invite contemplation on the rituals of daily life.

With "Punching Bag," I aim to challenge conventional interpretations of everyday objects, blending functionality with the surreal. By transforming a recognizable item into something unfamiliar, I encourage viewers to question the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary, between humor and spirituality, and to imagine new, creative roles for objects that populate our world.

Note : The length and the hanging method of the chain can very depending on the display space.

2024
h 27 x b 27 x d 130 cm
Pierre Gérard

Pierre Gérard