Synapsid
Karen Tang’s Synapsid (2014) is a large, vividly coloured sculpture which seems to morph between abstract, alien and animal forms. With its radioactive hues and blobby segments, Synapsid evokes sci-fi invasion scenarios where monsters rampage through the built environment. The sculpture takes its title from the scientific name for proto-mammals which evolved to have skulls distinct from those of reptiles; the structure of Synapsid hints at a cranial enclosure and eye-sockets. At the scale of a small room, viewers are drawn into Synapsid’s apertures and interior spaces, which are designed to be immersive, interactive and playful.
2014
Epoxy, fibreglass, paint, styrofoam, timber, steel
330.0 x 400.0cm
© Karen Tang; courtesy of l'étrangère Gallery; photo: Jonathan Bassett, courtesy of l'étrangère and VITRINE