kendall buster

PARABIOSIS, 2002

Parabiosis is defined as the artificial or natural joining of two individuals. Generated from the notion of a cluster of distinct enclosures, the sculpture Parabiosis was an architectural model of interlinked structures—a complex form suggesting either an unruly fusion of independent organisms or a system of interdependent organs. Each structure housed a different part of what came to be regarded as a city: a block of flats, a cinema, an opera, a stadium, a cathedral.

The regularity and symmetry of each unit suggested that some underlying blueprint had informed the sharply defined skeletal shape. But I was compelled to contradict this with a demonstration of there being a dynamic system—reflecting not only a defined structure with an accessible interior, but also a kind of animation. Such an animation was realized in the design through the suggestion of swelling, penetration/coupling, and growth in successive stages. Nature is referenced, but it is regarded as a system of aggressive yet interconnected forces.

Parabiosis was exhibited first at Fusebox in Washington, DC, and then in the project space at Artists Space in New York City, as part of the Architecture and Design Series. Both exhibitions took place in 2002.

Parabiosis, 2002
Architecture and Design Series
Artists Space, New York , NY
tracing paper, steel

Parabiosis, 2002
Calyses
Fusebox, Washington, DC
tracing paper, steel