Art TED Fellows

Art that will make you laugh: Sketches and behind-the-scenes images from Aparna Rao

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Artist Aparna Rao in the workshop, among cardboard models of the pieces she shows in today's talk. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

Artist Aparna Rao in her workshop, among cardboard models of the pieces she shows in today’s talk. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

Aparna Rao makes the kind of art that makes you go “awwwwww,” even if you are the kind of person who would never make such a noise. In today’s talk, this TED Fellow shows us a gallery of art that goes a little crazy when no one is looking, but snaps to attention when someone walks in. And a sculpture that waves maniacally to the viewer — at least until someone new steps into the room. And a stadium, created with her artistic partner Søren Pors, that is full of characters who clap in a very usual way.

Here, Rao shares with us some sketches and images of her work.

The artist's early sketch of the sculpture 'Framerunners,' a complex windowpane that is inhabited by a tribe of bouncing figures, who can hide. Hear more in today's talk. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

The artist’s early sketch of the sculpture ‘Framerunners,’ a complex windowpane that is inhabited by a tribe of bouncing figures. Hear more in today’s talk. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

A studio rendering of a work in progress called, 'Untitled (Bot).'

A studio rendering of a work in progress, ‘Untitled (Bot).’ Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

An image of moving sculpture, titled 'Drifter.'

An image of the moving sculpture ‘Drifter,’ which spins and pivots on the ball of its hat. See it move in Rao’s TED Talk from 2011. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

Image of moving sculpture, 'Split Knife'. Image Courtesy: Gallery SKE.

An image of the moving sculpture,] ‘Split Knife.’ The knife goes in one wooden block and then out the other. Image Courtesy: Gallery SKE.

Image of moving sculpture, 'Sun Shadow'.

An image of the moving sculpture ‘Sun Shadow.’ This sun eventually rises up the wall—but it has a really hard time doing so. See it in action in this TED Talk. Image: Courtesy of Pors & Rao Studio

Want to hear more about Pors & Rao’s work? Watch her TED Talk “High-tech art (with a sense of humor)” from TED Global 2011 »

And check out the website for Pors & Rao Studio »