New Kinetic Machine Creates Beautiful Sand Designs

Artist Bruce Shapiro has invented a kinetic machine that creates beautiful designs with sand. Dubbed the “Sisyphus,” the apparatus uses strong magnets to pull metal balls across a layer of sand to produce intricately detailed mandalas. The machine’s constant movement enables it to produce an infinite amount of patterns consisting of fine zigzags and undulating lines, all of which are completely symmetrical.

Shapiro’s body of work focuses on “Motion Control,” or, computer-controlled movement, which is primarily used for industrial production and design rather than art. His experimentation with such technology is what led him to conceive the “Sisyphus” and other similar pieces. You can explore more of Shapiro’s work here.