IB1S

Free-Standing Assemblage Sculpture - Found Objects & Mixed Media - 2024

A metal sculpture of a bird with blue eyes, standing on a decorative base with illuminated flowers and green leaves.
A metal sculpture of a bird with blue eyes, standing on a decorative base with illuminated flowers and green leaves.

Overview

A close-up of a vintage metal fire alarm box filled with small metallic action figures of soldiers and animals, surrounded by various metal tools and decorative elements.

IB1S is a one-of-a-kind assemblage sculpture by Emmanuel Marti that transforms a damaged children's RC boat into a surreal, bird-like creature exploring the strange intersection of technology, humor, and imagination. Built from an unexpected combination of found objects and everyday materials, the sculpture balances playful absurdity with an underlying sense of unease. Its unusual anatomy and expressive details invite viewers to look closer and discover a creature that is both whimsical and strangely familiar.

Details

Year, 2024

Size, Medium

Materials: RC Wakeboard Boat Hull, Garden Spotlights, Toaster, Plastic Cutlery, Toy Shark, Found Objects, Metal, Wood, LED Lighting

Dimensions: 54 × 36 × 18 in.

The Story Behind
IB1S

Discover the unexpected accident, dark humor, and ideas about technology and humanity hidden within this surreal creature.

IB1S began with an unexpected accident: an RC wakeboard boat that the artist's children sank in their pool. Rather than being discarded, the damaged toy became the foundation for a towering alien bird-like figure, transforming a forgotten object into a surreal exploration of humor, technology, and humanity's uncertain future.

The sculpture's unusual anatomy combines garden spotlight eyes, a toaster body, plastic cutlery wings, and a toy shark held as its meal. The result is a whimsical yet slightly ominous creature that balances playful absurdity with darker undertones.

Inside the toaster rests a collection of dinosaurs and toy soldiers, representing a possible reflection on humanity's fate as artificial intelligence continues to evolve. The artist considered adding red backlighting to emphasize this warning—but ultimately chose not to. After all, if humanity is truly "toast," perhaps the outcome is already dark enough.

Through humor, imagination, and unexpected material combinations, IB1S invites viewers to consider technology's growing influence while reminding us not to lose our ability to laugh at ourselves.

A Closer Look

Every assemblage reveals new stories through its textures, materials, and hidden details.