Alex Schlegel + Vitaly Grossmann: Joints 20/22

A collaborative passion project.

We studied at the same university, we work in the same industry and for the same studios, but, until now, we have never had the opportunity to realize a project together.

The interesting and probably unusual part of this project is the way that we worked together to create six unique sculptures. The premise was simple: Create hanging mechanical sculptures. We created different elements and joined them together piece by piece. We asked ourselves how we could connect 3D elements in a way that didn’t feel alien. To begin, we each made a quick sketch. Then, taking turns, we added to each other’s work—the Surrealist’s Exquisite Corpse rendered anew. First details, then animation, cloth simulation, color, typography, and so on. We had to react to each other’s creations, connecting the pieces like a puzzle that grew with every step.

We worked with our friend and colleague Konstantin Cadeu (who is known as Cadeu) to create an immersive soundscape for the work. The full experience of this project is only possible with the sound ON! Designed to represent certain physical characteristics of the objects through sound, Cadeu’s work creates further dimensionality and really brings the sculptures to life. This is the first part of an ongoing project, future sculptures are already in the making.

Full project here

Alex Schlegel

Alex Schlegel is a designer based in Hamburg. He specializes in animation and 3D design with over 10 years of experience in the field. He is currently working for the animation studio ManvsMachine.

Vitaly Grossmann

Vitaly Grossmann is a Hamburg-based 3D designer and director.