rising waters engulf balkrishna doshi-inspired structures in james casebere's exhibition

James Casebere presents Seeds of Time at Sean Kelly

In his ninth solo exhibition at Sean Kelly Gallery, James Casebere presents Seeds of Time, exploring the blend of architecture, sculpture, and photography. This new collection features vibrant architectural designs inspired by renowned architect Balkrishna Doshi, as well as Francis Kéré and Yasmeen Lari. Surrounded by water, these designs celebrate biomorphic design, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Through a meticulous artistic process, Casebere transforms these architectural concepts into striking two-dimensional images, in an attempt to evoke awareness of climate change. The exhibition runs from June 27th to August 2nd, 2024.

James Casebere, Balconies, 2023 | all images courtesy of the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

drawing from Balkrishna Doshi’s vibrant architecture

Showcased at Sean Kelly Gallery (find more here), these new works by James Casebere (find more here) highlight the urgency and emotional impact of the climate crisis while celebrating human ingenuity. Drawing inspiration from Balkrishna Doshi, the photographs Balconies and Stairs are based on the Indian architect’s vibrant drawings of his low-cost housing development, The Aranya, in Indore, India. Unlike many bleak public housing projects, Doshi’s designs were lively and intended to be modified by their inhabitants. Casebere intensified the colors to reflect the residents’ transformations. The Cavern with Skylights images reference Amdavad ni Gufa, an underground art gallery designed by Doshi. This design blurs the boundaries between formal and informal spaces, enhancing interaction with nature. The images emphasize natural geological forms to highlight the biomorphic qualities of the architecture.

James Casebere, Stairs, 2023

Biomorphic Forms inspired by Francis Kéré and Yasmeen Lari

Casebere further explores biomorphic forms in Patio with Blue Sky and School to create works that focus on the integration of natural and synthetic elements in an interpretation of Burkinabé-German architect Francis Kéré’s Startup Lions Campus in Kenya. Greenhouse extends the bio-morphic design language by merging sculptural forms with natural foliage, creating a living sculpture set within a pond. Beach Huts (Day) and Beach Huts (Night), draw on Kéré’s innovative complex in Burkina Faso. These photographs depict colorful huts that explore themes of community and the needs of marginalized populations, a testament to the dynamic relationship between individual creativity and social group dynamics. Likewise, Chulah Cookstove is inspired by Pakistani architect Yasmeen Lari’s innovative design, which highlights the need for elevated outdoor stoves designed to mitigate flooding and improve health in impoverished areas.

James Casebere, Patio with Blue Sky, 2024

James Casebere, School, 2024

James Casebere, Chulah Cookstove, 2024

James Casebere, Greenhouse, 2024

James Casebere, Cavern with Skylights V, 2024

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James Casebere, Cavern with Skylights V, 2024 framed archival pigment print mounted to Dibond paper: 63 3/8 x 46 3/4 inches framed: 66 3/16 x 49 9/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

James Casebere, Cavern with Skylights H, 2024 framed archival pigment print mounted to Dibond paper: 46 3/4 x 60 3/4 inches framed: 49 9/16 x 63 9/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

James Casebere, Patio with Blue Sky, 2024 framed archival pigment print mounted to Dibond paper: 57 3/4 x 46 3/4 framed: 60 9/16 x 49 9/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

James Casebere, Stairs, 2023 framed UV print on Dibond artwork: 72 x 84 3/16 inches framed: 74 3/4 x 86 15/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

James Casebere, Balconies, 2023 framed archival pigment print mounted to Dibond paper: 46 3/4 x 51 3/16 inches framed: 49 1/2 x 53 15/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

James Casebere, Beach Huts (Day), 2024 framed archival pigment print mounted to Dibond paper: 42 9/16 x 66 3/4 inches framed: 45 3/8 x 69 9/16 x 2 1/4 inches | photo © James Casebere courtesy: the artist and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles

project info: 

name: Seeds of Time
artist: James Casebere | @jamescasebere
location: Sean Kelly Gallery | @seankellygallery
dates: June 27th – August 2nd, 2024