Alicia Marván

Drinking from the Source

My project while in residency at Lakeside Lab began with the intention to represent Lake Okoboji. In particular, I was interested in portraying its unique bathymetry (the contours of the lake under water). I was thrilled to find several bathymetric maps of the lake in the Limnology Lab, which seemed almost abandoned – it feltContinueContinue reading “Drinking from the Source”

Úntani

Modular puzzle in laser cut MDF, painted with water-based paint. Size: 12” x 12” x 1/4”. Úntani (from Purhépecha: to assemble, compose) was created from the need to provide children with toys suitable for their development, in contrast to those currently proliferating the market: toy guns that promote aggressiveness, dolls with sexualized bodies, or householdContinueContinue reading “Úntani”

Volume 1: Aggregation

Large scale interactive sculpture made of yellow EVA foam (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) based on an interlocking zipper-like design inspired by aggregate forms found in nature, such as tree rings. The public is encouraged to endlessly modify the structure, allowing for multiple interpretations of the piece, and an ongoing invitation for possible architecture – an opportunity forContinueContinue reading “Volume 1: Aggregation”

Maven

A capsule collection of luxury garments made with pre-pleated silks.

Strata

A capsule collection of Fall/Winter garments constructed in layers and modular elements, to allow for versatility and multiple functionality. Inspired by the geology found in the Great Lakes, geometric designs stylize and warm the body, echoing the unique formations of the regional bedrock. All garments were handmade in Buffalo, New York using sustainable fabrics suchContinueContinue reading “Strata”

EnWrap

A capsule collection of warm and comfortable garments designed to wrap the body during the cold months. Each piece is made with a single piece of fabric, which is folded like origami and sewn in strategic places to create volume and definition.

SWARMS v2.0 – Erie Ecosystem Diagrams

Sourcing wildlife conservation-related data from NatureServe, I created a series of interactive diagrams to represent the interactions between biological species in Erie County, NY. Presented by UB Situated Technologies Studio, as part of MFA coursework. https://vimeo.com/113540356

Cave of Crystals

A site-specific installation representing an abstraction of the geometric forms found on Selenite crystal caves. Installed in a stairwell of the Medina Highschool, as part of the 2019 PLAY/GROUND exhibition, a Resource:Art project in partnership with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center and Rochester Contemporary Art Center (RoCo)

Discovery Niagara Shuttle Stop

The proposed shuttle stop highlights the natural phenomena of Niagara Falls and plays homage to the American Falls, often upstaged by the horseshoe falls on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. The magnificent vertical formation of the American Falls is seldom appreciated, due to limited access to observation points – trails and decks showContinueContinue reading “Discovery Niagara Shuttle Stop”

Lattice

A modular sculpture inspired by ice crystal morphology. When turned into ice, water molecules form a hexagonal lattice, creating space around the atoms and allowing for ice’s structural stability. Each identical module in the installation is comprised of a metal frame and a thin membrane made of water-soluble fabric. The fabric membranes gradually melt asContinueContinue reading “Lattice”

Shelter Pods

A tiled system of 10’ x 10’ rubber flooring modules, slotted with an undulating topographic pattern, create a versatile environment for leisure. When flat on the ground, can be used as a dance floor, yoga platform, or event site. When separated and erected as pods, the modules provide dwelling units for siting, lounging and refugeContinueContinue reading “Shelter Pods”

Auxiliary Constructions

A series of sculptures inspired by aggregate forms found in nature, such as tree rings, crystal formations, and graded landscapes. The work triggers complex stimuli for the viewer/participant, enabling a cross-dialog between architecture and the senses. The public is encouraged to endlessly modify the structures, allowing for multiple interpretations of the pieces, and an ongoingContinueContinue reading “Auxiliary Constructions”