How do artists address polyethylene’s thermal expansion in site-specific abstract works?

Artists creating site-specific abstract works with polyethylene face unique challenges due to the material’s thermal expansion properties. Polyethylene, a versatile plastic, expands and contracts significantly with temperature fluctuations, which can distort large-scale outdoor sculptures over time. To address this, artists employ innovative techniques such as segmented designs, flexible joints, and strategic material thickness adjustments. Some incorporate expansion gaps or use composite materials to mitigate stress. Others embrace the material’s dynamic nature, allowing the artwork to evolve with environmental changes. By understanding polyethylene’s behavior and collaborating with engineers, artists ensure their abstract creations remain structurally sound while maintaining aesthetic integrity in diverse climates. These solutions highlight the intersection of artistic vision and material science in contemporary public art.