3D Printing Isn’t Always Perfect. But, Sometimes It’s Better When It Messes Up.

Mathieu Schmitt is a French artist who works with 3D printed models in a way you might not expect. 3D printing is the process of creating a physical three dimensional object by applying successive, thin layers of material. Most 3D printers use a form of plastic to do this.

Because computers control 3D printers, Schmitt intentionally corrupts the data of the printing instructions. This in turn causes random, unexpected distortions in the printed object. Schmitt then takes that distorted object and builds a scene around it inside of a black box.

The result is Schmitt’s latest series, Glitched. It’s a subtle, but nonetheless unsettling exploration of what we accept as normal at face value.


A subtly distorted bridge.


It almost looks natural.


Until you see it from this angle.


This park looks so peaceful.


Reality bends the park bench.


Not a normal parking lot.


Excellent parking job.


A house on the hill.


Except that one side of the house is mutated.


A tragic scene.



The shack looking down on the town.


A melting bus shelter.


A tree splitting through the rock.


From the outside looking in.


Via: Booooooom

The power of 3D printing is pretty amazing, especially in this application. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is just something slightly disturbing about these creations.

For more work from Mathieu Schmitt, make sure to visit his website.

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