The arrival of 3D technologies in the 1980s opened up a whole world of possibilities, not only for industrial applications but also for more creative developments.

With the opening of some patents and the reduction in the costs of some technologies, artists can make greater use of additive manufacturing technologies in their daily work. But this raised a fundamental question: to what extent can 3D printing be considered as a tool to create Art?

Does technology open up a new perception of the work of art? Can 3D printing in Art break down specific barriers in creation?

The beginnings of 3D printing in Art

After the first decade of 2000, the first art exhibitions showed pieces printed in 3D.

They were initially presented not as works of art, but as a potential for innovation. It was not until 2015 that artists considered these 3D printed pieces as true artistic works. Over the past two years, many have organized exhibitions around this new vision of 3D printing.

The advantages of 3D printing

This new openness to 3D technologies benefits artists in many ways.

For example, they can simplify some of the tasks in their work, such as the Spanish artist Víctor Marín, who makes his sculptures using 3D technologies, but also create new ways of working, such as the designers at Emerging Objects, who have developed small stools by recycling tires.

There are still many examples when we talk about art and this new conception that additive manufacturing technologies bring. Not only do they offer a technical advantage to the majority of artists by accelerating developments or facilitating specific processes, but they are also a technique that will open the way to the exploration of new artistic facets.

The future of 3D printing in art

Today, the relationship between 3D printing and art is already established. From students to experienced artists, they have already started to use 3D technologies creatively. In addition to restoring works of art, 3D technologies have opened a path to artistic exploration.

Because many sectors used additive manufacturing such as medical or construction, Art can go further. It allows artists to explore other fields, starting to learn about bio-impression as Amy Karle does, the introduction of new materials and their relationship with nature, as Neri Oxman does. This generation is a new generation of artists, bio-artists, techno-artists, material explorers, who are seeking to get closer to nature through new technologies and this is only the beginning.