“Reviving Lolita” Sculptural Marvels

by Marina Rybak

3D Printed Sculptures by Eric van Straaten at Krause Gallery, NYC

3-D printing is a state of the art emerging technology, which materializes a conceptual prototype into a physical reality, using powdered plastics, resins and metal alloys. A process, defined as Rapid Prototyping and Additive Manufacturing casts a passage into the future where anyone potentially will be able to manufacture any physical object in the comfort of their home through a desktop size printer.

Even the biotechnology industry is investigating these inkjet techniques for tissue engineering. The possibilities are pushing the envelope and the imagination in all directions.

At the moment concept designers and architects are exploring the 3-D printing for quicker concept development and prototype models, but the process is still highly complex and technical. However, when the artist becomes an expert in conquering this technological mountain and unleashes his artistic vision, the results are quite inspiring.


Eric van Straaten is a digital sculptor from The Netherlands and uses 3-D printing as an art medium. His original work is showcased at Krause Gallery on Orchard Street through March 24.  A self-acknowledged perfectionist, the artist journeyed to the digital domain after years of photography and traditional cast model making. The new figurative art form was quite liberating, allowing him to finesse and fine-tune his creations virtually.


Upon closer inspection, these ethereal doll size sculptures pull you in with their almost sugar coated, “marzipan-like” porcelain textures. Their color is translucent and vivid. Nabokov’s Lolita iconic image holds moral ground and is a subtle unifying theme of van Straaten’s work. The sculptures appear only one breath away from coming to life. The effect is rather magical. They are truly a marvel… a harmonious blend of the technology on the cutting edge and unique artistic quest of Eric van Straaten.
Krause Gallery ~ Reviving Lolita Exhibit

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