Rael San Fratello
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Rael San Fratello On the Boundaries of 3D Printing, Architecture, and the Impact of Division
Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael of the eponymous studio Rael San Fratello (previously) foster a practice that's difficult to categorize. The pair pursue projects that transcend the boundaries of design, art, technology, and craft: they continually address the implications of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, had a hand in the iconic Prada Marfa, and have constructed homes entirely through 3D printing. Although their interests are broad, Rael San Fratello is always committed to the material and structural, to recognizing everyone's humanity, and to finding sustainable, practical ways to create a more hospitable future. The pair spoke with Colossal managing editor Grace…
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Utilizing Modern 3D Printing, Artistic Duo Rael San Fratello Constructs Coiled Earthen Architecture
Modern architectural building methods and Indigenous materials converge in the latest endeavor by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello, titled "Casa Covida." The earthen structure is part of a MUD Frontiers/Zoquetes Fronterizos that centers on Pueblo de Los Ángeles and the ways technological advances can work in unison with historic mud-based designs. "Casa Covida" contains a bathing pool, sleeping areas, and fireplace seats for two. To create the three-room home, the duo employs a custom, portable robot that they transport to various sites, allowing them to dig…
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Interview: Rael San Fratello Navigates the Boundaries of 3D Printing, Architecture, and the Impact of Division
Virginia San Fratello and Ronald Rael of the eponymous studio Rael San Fratello (previously) foster a practice that's difficult to categorize, which they speak to in a new interview supported by Colossal Members. The pair pursue projects that transcend the boundaries of design, art, technology, and craft: they continually address the implications of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, had a hand in the iconic Prada Marfa, and have constructed homes entirely through 3D printing. Although their interests are broad, Rael San Fratello is always committed to the…
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Rael San Fratello’s Pink Teeter-Totters at the U.S.-Mexico Border Win Beazley Design of the Year
The three neon pink seesaws that slotted through the U.S.-Mexico border were just named the 2020 Beazley Design of the Year. Conceived by Oakland-based artists Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello (previously), the playful, subversive project was installed in July 2019 between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez and physically connected the two communities despite the 20-foot barrier. The prestigious, annual award comes from London's Design Museum. Rael and San Fratello spent a decade working on "Teeter-Totter Wall" before its installation at the border during a particularly divisive time under the Trump administration. Although it was in use for less…
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Neighboring Communities Playfully Connect Atop Neon Pink Teetertotters Slotted Through the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall
Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello have long worked in activating structures in projects that blur the line between art and architecture. The Oakland-based duo, who self-describe as pursuing "applied architectural research", also have a longstanding interest in the United States-Mexico border wall. In 2009 Rael wrote Borderwall as Architecture, which features a conceptual drawing of a teetertotter. The concept relocates the classic playground equipment to the border wall as its fulcrum. Ten years later, this cover art came to life in the neighboring communities of Sunland Park, New Mexico and Colonia Anapra, Mexico. Constructed by Taller Herrería in Ciudad…
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DATMA Issues National Call for Public Art Commissions Based on Shelter
Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA), the non-collecting contemporary art institute, and its partners kicked off a city-wide, collaborative venture called “SHELTER 2022–23.” As part of this initiative, DATMA is issuing a National Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a public outdoor installation on the theme of shelter. New Bedford, Massachusetts will serve as a canvas for art exploring the role of shelter within the histories, communities, and cultures of the SouthCoast region and beyond. DATMA welcomes artists to consider subjects including but not limited to housing, the Underground…
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