The Spanish creative duo Nastplas explores in a conceptual background the limits between reality and abstraction through an ascending and constant process of investigation and artistic experimentation.

ARTICULATE 32 [ensemble], is a magazine of contemporary art, packed with 80 pages of high quality content, showcasing the work of 5 professional artists, featuring the Danish watercolor and ink artist Ole Aakjær, the Portuguese artist Cristina Troufa, the Spanish creative duo Nastplas, the Iranian photographer Ali Zolghadri and the Danish painter Julie Celina.

This article about NastPlas is part of the 32th magazine, ARTICULATE #32 | ensemble. Read, download or order your print version of the full publication below.

NastPlas

an article written by Carmen Line Hust

Nastplas are an international creative duo based in Madrid, Spain and formed in 2006 by illustrator Fran R. Learte 'drFranken' and creative director Natalia Molinos 'Na' (together 'Nastplas Team’). Their work combines an impressive range of digital elements and abstract patterns with which they develop elaborate pieces of art with a deep aesthetic. The designs of Nastplas are inspired by the laws of nature, the forms found in science, engineering, architecture, thought, inquiry and scientific research. Through their art Nastplas explore in a conceptual background the limits between reality and abstraction through an ascending and constant process of investigation and artistic experimentation.

The creative drive of Nastplas is generated from nothing in particular. Everything that surrounds the duo, produce in them small impulses that activate their creativity and enable them to develop works that last and inspire.

The preferred medium of Nastplas is digital and specialized in 3D. Digital art allow them to explore different ways to express themselves and create almost anything they imagine; although the process is complicated since it requires skills and technical knowledge, hence developing works they handle concepts of physics, chemistry, history, psychology, study of materials, lighting, architecture, composition, programming, etc. It is a constant, complex and laborious learning process.

The work of NastPlas combines several artistic disciplines such as sculpture, photography, painting and animation. It requires years of knowledge and constant experimentation with a thorough selection of software. Although 16 years has passed, NastPlas are still as enthusiastic as the initiative of the duo.

Some of the works of NastPlas arise from the spontaneity in handling software, others arise from conversations with scientists, geologists and scientific research or discoveries. NastPlas have several friends and family members working on innovative projects in the field of science.

Other works are conceived according to themes that inspire them or enable reflection, such as their intimate connection with nature, the processes involved in its dynamics or living forms and synthetic biology.

NastPlas like to experiment and push their creativity to the limit. As lovers of photography, architecture, painting, literature and art in all its disciplines, NastPlas finds their inspiration in photographers like the American artist Lee Friedlander (b. 1934), the British artist Bill Brandt (1904 - 1983) or the American filmmaker and photographer Paul Strand (1890 - 1976), architects like Spanish Ricardo Bofill (1939 - 2022), the Spanish artist Antoni Gaudí (1853 - 1926), the visionary American duo of industrial designers Charles Ormond Eames (1907–1978) and Benice Alexandra “Ray” Kaiser Eames (1912–1988). But also their inspiration is generated from writers like the American journalist Chuck Palahniuk (b. 1962). The duo also finds their thrive from classical mythology and the beliefs and legends of the people.

In the work of NastPlas, composition plays a major role, since each minimum particle, line or element has its own place (and not another). The composition makes each piece maintain a balance - a rhythm that makes up the final piece. In their process, NastPlas finds the creation and use of textures very important. These have the objective of providing greater realism to the work and awaken different sensations. The creation and use of textures allow NastPlas to compose a visual language and transmit different impressions to the spectator. To NastPlas, the appreciation of every tiny detail, is important - no matter how small it may be.

NastPlas are passionate about art in all its facets and they are influenced by multiple artists. As they claim, they are a compendium of influences. Undoubtedly, one of the artists who has mostly influenced NastPlas is the Spanish Salvador Dalí (1904 - 1989). Not only his facet as an artist,  but we feel connected to his figure for being passionate about science, innovation and a catalyst of avant-garde currents. Another source of inspiration is the Icelandic musician Björk, for her deep connection with the natural environment and for her constant experimentation and artistic innovation.