天天吃瓜 MFA candidate and DI Hub Collaborator Atoosa Fadaei recently unveiled her thesis installation "Paradox," a sculptural work that merges traditional materials with digital fabrication to explore themes of displacement, war, and cultural memory.
Created over the course of a year and constructed in part within the Design Innovation (DI) Hub鈥檚 Reactor Makerspace, the project is a compelling example of how artists can leverage cutting-edge tools and collaborative support to realize powerful creative visions.
Bridging Artistic Practice and Technology
Fadaei is currently a second-year MFA candidate in Sculpture at 天天吃瓜. "I come from Iran," she shares, "where I earned my bachelor鈥檚 degree in sculpture, and my artistic practice explores themes of displacement, memory, and cultural identity." Her installation, "Paradox," features suspended geometric forms crafted from quarter-inch plywood and integrated with fabric and thread. "The project reflects on the tension between fragility and resilience," Fadaei explains. The work takes a step further into abstraction compared to her previous pieces, drawing deep inspiration from the political and social conditions of her home country.
The DI Hub as Creative Partner
Fadaei first connected with the DI Hub through a summer DI Crew member position. "One of my professors introduced me to DI Hub, where I worked for three months. This period was an incredibly enjoyable experience, almost like a three-month art residency," she says. While at the DI Hub, she gained hands-on experience with the digital equipment and fabrication techniques that helped shape "Paradox."
"For my project, I primarily used the laser cutters, which played a key role in the creation of my geometric forms. I also sourced my material鈥攓uarter-inch plywood鈥攄irectly from the DI Hub, which made the construction process more convenient for me."
Fadaei credits the DI staff, including Shannon Hines (Makerspace Manager) and Chris Holthe (Director, DI Hub & Ecosystem), for helping bring her work to life. "Shannon helped me a lot with the technical and construction aspects鈥攆rom choosing materials and machines to identifying the best equipment for building my work. She also provided valuable guidance in designing the forms. Chris was great at explaining how to operate the machines in detail, showing me how to get the best results from them."
Growing as an Artist Through Innovation
Fadaei's experience at the DI Hub was transformative. "It allowed me to develop new technical skills, particularly in working with the laser cutter and understanding how to integrate digital fabrication into my sculptural practice. I also gained more confidence in using tools and machines independently, and learned how to make more informed decisions about materials and construction methods."
She is now applying for residencies and plans to continue evolving the ideas behind "Paradox." "I plan to continue exploring similar themes of displacement, war, and cultural memory, while further developing the techniques and forms that have emerged from 'Paradox.' I鈥檓 excited to push the boundaries of this work, experimenting with new materials and approaches."
Fadaei recommends the DI Hub to others: "It offers a supportive and collaborative environment, with access to excellent resources and equipment. Whether you're working with digital fabrication or exploring new materials and techniques, the DI Hub provides the tools and support needed to bring your artistic vision to life."
Interested in accessing the DI HUB's tools and technology? Learn more about our DI HUB membership.
See Atoosa Fadaei's work at our upcoming . This event is open to the community and will showcase the groundbreaking projects and achievements of our DI Nodes, DI Fellows, DI Hub members, and partners鈥攄emonstrating the power of interdisciplinary problem-solving.