in synthetic cells: site and para(site), new york-based artist michael rees displays multidimensional sculptural objects comprised of inflatable, vinyl structures layered with augmented reality. the colorful, suspended objects serve as the starting point for a rich interactive experience, which brings together six guest artists working with augmented reality to create additional layers on top of the existing space.

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 003 china wall, pig (pink, yellow, clear, print). air-inflated pvc vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

photos by ken ek

 

 

from the start, michael rees and curator tom moran imagined the exhibition as a group experience conceived as worlds within worlds, where the sculptural objects perform as the site for others’ augmented reality works. the inflatable structures, which have historically been seen in utopian furniture, architecture and toys since the 1960’s, are updated to carry multilayered experiences with works that are not organized around sympathetic themes throughout the exhibition, but rather operate as portals to other spaces.

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
detail synth cell 003 china wall, pig (pink, yellow, clear, print). air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

 

 

guest curators edward winkelman and murat otrbozekov have curated the para(site) side of the exhibition – the AR works – inviting six artists to participate: will pappenheimer, claudia hart, chris manzione, tamiko thiel, carla gannis, and john craig freeman. the richness in their work and their different approaches ‘weave a rich melange around the collision of utopias and an updated 21rst century chautauqua (a US education movement that dates back to 1874 and brought together speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers and other specialists for the whole community),‘ explains rees.

 

 

michael rees: synthetic cells is on until 14 july 2019 at grounds for sculpture.

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
detail synth cell 006 gradient clown, ant (yellow, clear, print) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 006 gradient clown, ant (yellow, clear, print) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 006 gradient clown, ant (yellow, clear, print) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
detail synth cell 007 stone, tapping feet (blue, clear, print) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 011 hatch, turtle (blue, red, yellow, orange, clear) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
detail synth cell 011 hatch, turtle (blue, red, yellow, orange, clear) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 013 rope, flies, (yellow, blue, red, clear, print) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 009, string thing, rooster jet print on vinyl, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 012, hatch, butterflies ink jet print on vinyl, augmented reality app, 2018

in synthetic cells, michael rees layers inflatable vinyl structures with augmented reality
synth cell 005 (blue, pink, clear) air-inflated PVC vinyl, ink jet print on vinyl, steel, augmented reality app, 2018

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom