BIG WINGNUT | by Tobias Birgersson

BIG WINGNUT is an oversized wingnut fabricated in iron, with bronze threading and finished in industrial red.

By dramatically increasing the scale of an ordinary piece of hardware, the work transforms a familiar mechanical component into a sculptural and playful object. Something normally turned between two fingers becomes an object that requires the movement of the whole hand and body.

Despite its exaggerated scale, BIG WINGNUT retains the functional principle of a real wingnut. The bronze threaded centre allows the piece to be turned, tightened and loosened, placing the work somewhere between sculpture, functional object and oversized mechanical toy.

The industrial red surface, substantial weight of the iron, and visible traces of fabrication give the piece a direct connection to workshops, machinery and manufacturing. Wear and exposed metal are left visible, becoming part of the character and history of the object.

BIG WINGNUT was created for the “Jinny Playground” exhibition in Jingumae 2-chome, Tokyo, where visitors were invited to interact with the work.

Artwork Specifications

Dimensions
H 26 × W 39 × D 11 cm

Materials
Iron with bronze threading

Finish
Industrial red paint with visible wear and areas of exposed metal resulting from fabrication, exhibition and handling.

Function
A functional, interactive sculptural object based on an enlarged wing nut. The bronze threaded centre allows the work to be physically turned, tightened and loosened.

Exhibition History
Created for and exhibited as part of the “Jinny Playground” exhibition in Jingumae 2-chome, Tokyo.

Presentation
Supplied in a fitted protective hard case.

Condition
The artwork shows visible surface wear, scratches and exposed metal, particularly along its edges and raised areas. These marks result from fabrication, exhibition and interaction with the work and form part of its industrial character.

Price

The price include posting fees 

About Tobias Birgersson

He works independently as an artist across arts and crafts, design, and contemporary art. Since 2007, he has been teaching at university level, including at Konstfack, Ädellab, and, since 2016, as an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at HDK – Academy of Design and Crafts, University of Gothenburg.

He is also a founding member of LOD Gallery and Atelier and Kungsholmens Täljargille.

Website: https://www.tobiasbirgersson.se/