Omaha artist Christopher Prinz brings “Prototypes” to ArtBank, showcasing wrinkled steel, functional sculpture—and what’s next for the Sixth Floor
- Anna LaBay
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
September 4, 2025
McCOOK, Neb. — Omaha-based artist and industrial designer Christopher Prinz visited McCook in late August with hundreds of pounds of meticulously formed metal, headlining an exhibit at ArtBank titled “Prototypes.” The presentation offered a close look at his process—how flat steel sheets become rigid, terrain-like sculptures and furniture through a unique wrinkling technique executed on a large press brake—and how small, hand-creased models in aluminum foil and paper evolve into finished works.
Prinz, who earned a BFA in Industrial Design from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 2014, operates at the intersection of art, design, and manufacturing. His studio practice ranges from polished stainless-steel sculptures and lamps to functional pieces like stools and tables. Several of his works have appeared in prestigious settings, including the Louis Vuitton flagship in Paris.
At ArtBank, Prinz demonstrated the “sketching” phase that precedes his heavy fabrication—folding and wrinkling foil to test form, structure, and assembly. From there, he translates the ideas to thin steel, where densely patterned creases dramatically increase rigidity and produce a distinct, organic surface. The result is a body of work that is both repeatable (via consistent forms and sizes) and one-of-a-kind (each wrinkle pattern is unique).
Inside the talk: process, materials, and scale
During a public conversation with ArtBank founder Chad Graff, Prinz traced his path from early fabrication jobs to a practice centered on functional artworks. He noted the practical constraints he embraces—pieces must support weight, hide necessary structure, and ship without damage—while still aiming for an effortless, “as-if-it-were-foil” look.
He also discussed finishing methods (from industrial electroplating to painstaking mechanical polishing) and why sheet metal remains a favorite: it’s ubiquitous, highly versatile, and—paired with custom dies, presses, and hand tools—quick to prototype yet robust in final form.
A glimpse of what’s coming: public art for Omaha’s new library
Prinz shared a prototype of a new project: a series of “bubble” forms designed for Omaha’s soon-to-open central library. Using 3D modeling (Rhino) and custom code to unfold complex shapes into flat triangles for laser cutting, he’s assembling a cluster of reflective, outdoor-rated forms engineered to withstand Nebraska weather at rooftop scale. The concept speaks to synergy—individual elements gaining strength together—mirroring the community effort that built the library.
Why “Prototypes” matters at ArtBank and the Sixth Floor
Graff highlighted how Prinz’s prototypes—trial pieces, studies, and process artifacts—help visitors understand the translation from flat sheet to finished form, and why ArtBank and the Sixth Floor preserve them as a coherent story of making. That behind-the-scenes narrative is now a signature part of the space, inviting audiences to experience both the polish of completed works and the curiosity of experimentation.
Christopher Prinz’s artist talk at ArtBank took place Saturday, August 23, and is available to view on the 6th Floor Project YouTube Channel. The exhibition remains on view, and the public is encouraged to stop in during open hours to experience the work firsthand.
ArtBank Hours
Thursdays: 1:00–8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
(Admission is free.)
Photos Courtesy of the 6th Floor Project
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