The University of Akron’s assistant professor of Graphic Design and Interactive Media, Markus Vogl, presented his most recent work during a lunchtime lecture in Folk Hall on Friday, March 20.

Vogl and his colleague, Margarita Benitez, have utilized large 3D printers for their latest projects. One is called “versus 0:02 [gridiron],” and the other is called “skin d.e.e.p.,” which stands for “digital ephemeral epidermal patterns.”

During the presentation, Vogl spoke about how he and Benitez use 3D printers to create art. The “versus 0:02 [gridiron]” project was created by taking American football statistics from actual games and typing that data into a computer. They then used the 3D printing process to create shapes, which ultimately turns into a piece of art that is reflective of the data.

Vogl’s second project, “skin d.e.e.p.” came about through making jewelry pieces using 3D printing. The pieces are mesh-like, but are made from a hard but pliable filament material, and meant to mimic skin patterns.

Vogl and Benitez created several pieces for different body parts including a neck piece, an arm piece, and a leg piece, that are kept on each body part for an hour or so while pressure is applied. When these pieces of printed exoskeleton are removed from the body, they leave harmless imprints that resemble reptilian skin patterns lasting for about 10 to 15 minutes after removal.

Vogl said that he initially thought about making bruise patterns on the skin with his jewelry pieces, but later decided against it.

When asked how he would like others to react to his “skin d.e.e.p.” exhibit, Vogl said, “I want it to start a conversation between science and art.”

Vogl and Benitez’s work with emerging technologies is innovative and can be viewed at Summit Artspace in Akron until Friday, April 5. There is also an upcoming Artwalk in downtown Akron on Saturday, April 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with an artist talk by Vogl at Summit Artspace at 8 p.m.