Shen Shaomin

Fascinated with death and mutation, Chinese sculptor Shen Shaomin glues the bones of various animals together to create imaginary creatures and plants, taking a new perspective on the tradition of assemblage. Adorning his sculptures with hand-carvings, Shen indicates the presence of humans, thereby drawing these imaginary creations into the real world. His work has been called an allusion to the effects of pollution on biological life, or the possibility of a future in which genetic mutation is a reality—both crucial issues in a rapidly urbanizing China.