Step into the enigmatic world of Kura Curiosa, where ancient mysteries meet future technologies through the art of 3D printing. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious newcomer, or an art enthusiast exploring the boundaries of digital fabrication, this FAQ guide will illuminate your path through this modular universe.
Here, you'll find answers to common questions about our unique blend of downloadable artworks, the Vexel display system, and the growing ecosystem of Specimens, Cores, Sentries and Visions, that make up the collection. From technical printing specifications to the deeper lore of Arkhorin, we've curated these responses to enhance your journey into this democratized art experience where every collector becomes a creator.
A: Kura Curiosa is a groundbreaking modular art project that bridges the gap between digital and physical art through 3D printing technology. It's a collection of interconnected artworks that can be downloaded, printed, and customized by anyone. The project democratizes art by allowing audiences to become active participants in the creation process.
You can watch this short introduction video if you want to have a quick idea of what it is all about:
A: Kura Curiosa is created by me (Baptiste Tavernier), a Tokyo-based French artist and independent curator. I have combined my passion for art, technology, and storytelling to create this unique project that challenges traditional art boundaries.
A: Kura Curiosa represents a mysterious archive of artifacts and specimens, drawing inspiration from ancient cabinets of curiosities, sci-fi themes, and modular synthesizers (yeah, I know, weird combination...)
The project's narrative is spread and explored through each module's description and the YouTube series 'LOGS', which delves into the deeper mythology and interconnected stories around the collection.
A: Kura Curiosa offers three distinct ways to acquire pieces:
—Free Downloads:
—Premium Subscription (available soon):
—Original Sets:
Each option caters to different preferences, from DIY enthusiasts who enjoy printing their own pieces to collectors seeking exclusive, professional artworks.
A: Vexels are the modular frames that serve as the foundation for displaying artworks. 1-vexel represents the basic unit of Kura Curiosa. There are different types of vexels, taller ones, dual vexels, VESA vexels, etc.
Specimens compose the heart of the Owner's collections. They are species or objects found across the universe, preserved and studied within Arkhorin. These mysterious findings are categorized into distinct classifications, such as: Biomechanoids, Artefacts, Fossils, Botanicals, etc.
Cores are specialized units that maintain, defend, power, and regulate the vast collection of Specimens.
Sentries are guardian elements that protect and monitor the collection.
A: Kura Curiosa pieces are designed to be printable on Prusa MK3 or any printer with an equivalent build volume of 250x210x210mm or higher, which is the case of most consumer 3D printers nowadays.
Additionaly, A huge part (but not all) of the collection can be printed on smaller models as well, like the Prusa MINI. A printer with a standard build volume of 180x180x180mm will be sufficient for all the modules present in THIS COLLECTION.
A: If you are new to 3D printing, or not very experienced yet, PLA is the best choice. Above the beginner level, it is all up to you. I generally use PETG, so I haven't tried with more exotic materials, such as ASA, Nylon, PC Blend, Chocolate, Ceramic... But should be usable, I guess.
A: No particular recommendations... That would depend on the printer and the material you have. Personally, I use:
- a 0.4 nozzle
- Layer height: 0.28mm for Vexels, 0.20mm for Specimens, Cores and Sentries
- Infill: 10% for Vexels, 15% for Specimens, Cores and Sentries
In most cases you will not need supports, brims, etc. There are a couple Specimens that need supports on a few points, but it is generally mentioned somewhere in their description.
If you want to use a larger nozzle, I guess it is possible, but you might want to check the tolerance of the vexels' attachment system. If you are having a hard time connecting 2 vexels to each-other, try to use a small rubber mallet to hammer them down gently into position.
A: Well, that would depend on your printer, and the type of material you use. On a prusa MK4S, I print a single vexel frame in about 5 hours in PETG. Specimens generally take less time, but time will vary depending on size and complexity.
A: Free-to-download artworks are available on Printables.com On this website, you will also find links for each module at the bottom of their description page. You can download, print, and customize these pieces for personal use.
A: Files are provided in STL format. Occasionally, additional documentation is provided for modules that need special assembly or printing recommendations.
A: New content is regularly released. I try to have at least one new module every month, but the pace is generally more like 2-3 every month.
A: You can always contact me if you are interested in buying an exclusive set, or a single original module. Alternatively, exclusive sets can sometimes be seen in galleries or art fairs around the world. I tend to announce future exhibitions / collaborations on my social media, but there will be a page dedicated to that on the website as well, soon.
