French artist Patrice Hubert creates mechanical sculptures that move and transform before your eyes. His kinetic metal works combine elements of the mechanical and organic, often resembling insects and spiders while incorporating integrated lighting systems.
As a self-taught sculptor working primarily with steel, Hubert has developed his “Kinetic MecaniK” approach without formal training. This summer, he brings his work to the Psy-Fi festival, where he’ll present his largest kinetic sculpture to date.
We spoke with Hubert about his artistic process, influences, and upcoming installation. Below is our conversation covering his development as an artist and what festival attendees can expect from his work.
Self-Taught Approach
As a self-taught sculptor, how did you develop your unique “Kinetic MecaniK” approach, and what initially drew you to creating mechanical sculptures that move?
“In 2003, after experimenting with various mediums, I decided to focus on my own creations and began working with steel without formal welding training,” Hubert says. “This self-taught approach allowed me to develop my own techniques and tricks.”
What drove Hubert to mechanical sculpture was a desire to combine contrasting elements. “I wanted to create a balance between aggression and gentleness, masculine and feminine, iron and glass, movement and light. This became the foundation of my ‘Kinetic MecaniK’ series.”
“The movement in my sculptures engages the viewer in an interactive experience with the artwork. This reflects my vision of art as something living and evolving, rather than static.”
Influences and Aesthetics
Your work features elements reminiscent of Gothic Revival and Steampunk aesthetic. How have these influences shaped your artistic vision?
“The Gothic Revival aesthetic, with its slender forms and organic motifs, is reflected in the structure of my sculptures,” Hubert says. “I integrate this elegance into my steel creations, creating a contrast between the rigid metal and graceful forms.”
The steampunk influence appears in the mechanical aspects. “This style has inspired me to create sculptures that seem both ancient and futuristic.”
Hubert also draws from nature. “I often take inspiration from insects, birds, and carnivorous plants, which I reinterpret through a futuristic lens. This fusion between mechanical and organic elements reflects my interest in the balance between nature and technology.”
Creative Process
The engineering behind your moving sculptures must be complex. Could you walk us through your process from initial concept to a fully functioning kinetic piece?
“I begin with reflection and daydreaming, exploring different possibilities of movement and form,” Hubert explains. “Once I have a clear idea, I move on to manual sketching to visualize the structure and anticipate challenges.”
Rather than using complex software, Hubert relies on experience. “For the technical aspect, I use my knowledge acquired over the years. I mentally calculate or use simple manual calculations to determine the gear ratios needed. I’ve developed an intuitive understanding of the mechanisms necessary for my sculptures to function.”
Natural Inspirations
Looking at your collections, many of your sculptures evoke spider and insect-like forms. What draws you to these shapes despite working with mechanical materials?
“Insects and spiders represent marvels of natural biomechanics,” Hubert says. “Their complex structures, joints, and fluid movements are an excellent source of inspiration.”
The contrast between organic forms and industrial materials defines his work. “Using organic forms inspired by insects with industrial materials like steel creates a striking contrast. I seek to create harmony between these seemingly contradictory elements.”
These forms also evoke emotional responses. “Spiders and insects often create strong reactions in people, from fascination to fear. By incorporating these forms into my mechanical sculptures, I aim to provoke reflection on our relationship with nature and technology.”
The Role of Light
Light plays a significant role in your sculptures. How does the integration of illumination transform your pieces when they’re in motion?
“The integration of light into my sculptures is essential,” Hubert says. “When my pieces move, light transforms their appearance and impact. I create an interplay between shadow and clarity that brings life to the steel structures.”
“Moving illumination adds temporal and spatial dimension to my works. It creates ever-changing visual effects, guiding the viewer’s gaze through the curves and forms of my sculptures, transforming them from static objects into evolving experiences.”
In recent works, Hubert has expanded this integration. “I’m incorporating luminous and interactive elements — such as in my recent project with a luminous and sound-based pyramidal base. This allows my works to interact with their environment in a more dynamic way.”
Recent Influences
You recently returned from India. Has this experience introduced new elements or perspectives to your creative thinking?
“Immersion in such a different culture has pushed me to explore the spiritual and mythological dimension of my work,” Hubert says. “By studying Indian legends and symbols, I’ve discovered parallels with my own artistic research on time and history. This encourages me to create works that question invisible realities.”
Combining Technologies
Your work exists at an interesting intersection between past and future technologies. How do you view this temporal dialogue within your creations?
“This fusion is central to my ‘Kinetic MecaniK’ series, where I combine traditional metal working with modern elements like kinetics and lighting,” Hubert explains.
“In my sculptures, I explore the balance between organic and mechanical, merging natural forms with metallic structures. This reflects a vision where past and future coexist.”
Hubert continues to adopt new technologies. “Recently, I’ve begun integrating more advanced technologies into my process. For example, I’m exploring CNC laser cutting for two-dimensional shapes, which opens new possibilities for artistic expression.”
Upcoming Psy-Fi Installation
Could you tell us specifically about the pieces you’ll be presenting at the upcoming Psy-Fi?
“The centrepiece will be a monumental kinetic sculpture, the largest I have ever created,” Hubert says. “On structures surrounding the main sculpture, I will integrate reproductions of works by artists exhibited at the Naia Museum, my visionary art museum opened in 2015. This creates a dialogue between my kinetic work and other artistic expressions.”
How do you see your sculptures contributing to this particular environment?
“My works, which combine organic elements with mechanical structures, reflect the philosophy of Psy-Fi, which seeks to reconcile humanity with nature while embracing innovation,” Hubert explains. “This fusion symbolizes the balance between our natural heritage and technological future.”
“By integrating visuals from artists of the Naia Museum, my sculptures become portals to other dimensions of creativity. They invite festival-goers to explore imaginary worlds and question their perception of reality.”
Festival vs. Gallery Environments
Do you approach creating art for festival environments differently than for traditional gallery spaces?
“In a traditional gallery space, the emphasis is on individual contemplation in a static setting,” Hubert says. “In contrast, at Psy-Fi, my creations must dialogue with a living, evolving environment. They need to be more interactive, accessible, and adapted to a specific audience.”
Future Projects
Looking ahead, how do you see your artistic approach evolving?
“I want to push the concept of participatory art further by creating installations that invite the public to co-create the work,” Hubert explains. “This could be modular sculptures that spectators can rearrange, or interactive works that transform based on collective movements of a crowd.”
Photos from Patrice Hubert’s collections can be viewed at:
Flickr Collection 1, Flickr Collection 2, Flickr Collection 3, Flickr Collection 4