Embedded in all of us is the ability to recognise and read the human figure from scant visual information. In this work Burke has sought to depict a collective human presence with a series of defined spaces. Sixteen partial body moulds have been arranged as if coming together with the tightest concentration of figures in the middle of the group.

The material and forms draw on the artist's early involvement with engineering practice, and an appreciation of the aesthetic properties of functional engineering construction. The cast forms have been designed to be industrially produced and repeated to reflect the use of industrial production methods , and are bolted together using the convention for the joining of castings. Each figure is suggested by three out of the possible four assembled mould sections of a body cast, allowing the viewer visual entry and an opportunity to perceive it from the outside in, as if casting ones own body.

‘Assembly’ acknowledges that there is a tension between the reading of an image of the human form and the affect that the physicality of materials and process have on that understanding. The work was conceived as an assembly of persons, of parts, and spaces, which can finally be assembled by the viewer.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.