The world of art and design is a fascinating realm where creativity knows no bounds. And when it comes to pushing the boundaries of imagination, Jaemo Lee and Lisa Schober, collectively known as MEUW (Socius novus), have crafted a masterpiece that challenges our perceptions of animal companionship. Their installation, 'MEUW', is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and animals, presented as a collection of soft, pale pink creatures that inhabit a dank, tile-lined room in an abandoned military hospital in Milan. This article delves into the intricacies of this captivating work, unraveling the artists' intentions and the profound impact it has on viewers.
A Question of Intimacy and Connection
At the heart of MEUW lies a critical observation of the reptile pet industry and the way animals are bred, classified, and traded. Lee and Schober's fascination with leopard geckos and their morphs, or variations in skin colors, patterns, and eye colors, sparked a deeper inquiry into the nature of human-animal bonds. They questioned why humans continue to desire and possess animals as pets, often driven by projection, aesthetics, or status rather than genuine emotional connection. This led them to explore the idea of simulating companionship without domination, raising the intriguing question: Can intimacy be replicated without a dominant force?
The artists drew inspiration from Carlo Mollino's 'Walking Dragon' (1964), a non-animal companion that shifts the focus from the animal to its symbolic role in human life. They also found resonance in David Cronenberg's 'eXistenZ', where the game pod serves as a strange, connected companion. These references fueled their vision of MEUW as a speculative object that challenges the desire to own and project onto another form of life.
The Art of Interaction
MEUW's impact on viewers is profound, as it invites them to interact and engage with these soft, oversized creatures. The installation's success lies in its ability to make visitors feel as though the creatures have come to life. The artists' choice of materials, particularly colored 3D-printed silicone, is crucial to this experience. By creating a family of creatures in different sizes and forms, inspired by the evolving bodies of reptiles, they ensured that all the movement, flexibility, and tactile feedback originated from the material itself.
The manufacturing process was an intricate dance of precision and timing. Lee and Schober designed the creatures using a combination of sketching, 3D modeling, Grasshopper, and AI. They then crafted custom 3D-printed molds for each body, carefully casting the final forms by hand using transparent silicone mixed with pigments. The quick-hardening nature of the silicone added an element of urgency, as they had only 10 minutes to pour it into the molds before it set, creating a unique, time-sensitive workflow.
A Provocative Takeaway
MEUW leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on their own relationships with animals and the potential for alternative forms of companionship. The artists' exploration of intimacy, connection, and the desire to own goes beyond the surface-level aesthetics. It invites us to consider the psychological and emotional aspects of human-animal bonds and the potential for a more nuanced and sustainable coexistence.
In conclusion, MEUW is a masterpiece that challenges our perceptions and invites us to think critically about the relationship between humans and animals. It is a testament to the power of art to provoke thought, spark conversation, and inspire a deeper understanding of the world around us.
