Mutation
Solo Exhibition by Kalman PoolRed Gate Gallery, Beijing, China
April 10 - May 10, 2021
Mutation explores the fluidity of biological forms, synthetic structures, and the evolution of mutable entities. The exhibition combines inflatable sculptures, digital projections, and experimental installations to investigate the intersections between the organic and the technological. Pool’s works in Mutation question the boundaries of identity and form, suggesting a speculative future where life is constantly evolving.
At the core of this exhibition is Boy, an inflatable sculpture suspended in mid-air. It takes inspiration from organic creatures, transforming them into a hybrid of soft, malleable materials and industrialized components. The artwork challenges viewers to consider the potential for change and transformation in both living and artificial beings.
As part of the opening, Kalman Pool performed a live Luminous Opera event, where he enclosed himself inside a transparent inflatable sphere and created artworks within the confines of the balloon. This immersive performance fused the artist’s creative process with the physical act of being enclosed, further emphasizing the theme of transformation and boundary-pushing in art.
“Mutation is an exploration of the delicate relationship between the natural and artificial worlds. Kalman Pool's sculptures blur the lines between life and technology, suggesting a fluidity of form that defies classification.”