Fab Labs and Contemporary Art: From Makers to Creators

The line between making and creating has blurred in the age of fast thinking and democratic resource distribution, with Fab Labs playing a key role. Neil Gershenfeld, a MIT professor, introduced the concept in 2006 as 'social engineering'. These labs, equipped with tools like 3D printers and laser cutters, became hubs for engineers, programmers, artists, and woodworkers. In Italy, The FabLab in Milan collaborated with Corraini edizioni in autumn 2015 on 'MakersVSIllustrators'. The first event featured Olimpia Zagnoli, known for her work with The New Yorker and The New York Times, resulting in 'Cinetica Zagnoli Elettrica' at Libreria 121+ in Milan, showcasing kinetic sculptures. A second collaboration with Emiliano Ponzi produced 'Ponzinetic', a kinetic fashion show inspired by Gruppo T. In Genoa, the local Fab Lab worked with artist Alessandro Lupi on 'Universal Spin', a nine-meter spiral rotating via Arduino, displayed at Palazzo Ducale during the Science Festival. The Museo d'Arte Contemporanea di Villa Croce in Genoa hosts 'Digital Warhol' until February 2017, featuring works Warhol created on a Commodore Amiga 1000 in 1985, highlighting his early embrace of digital technology.