State of Limbo by Anish Kapoor. Photos: Courtesy of Shanghai Gallery of Art

By Nick Muzyczka

The latest exhibition at the Shanghai Gallery of Art brings together the work of a sculptor, a product designer and an architect. Entitled In Between, this display features three pieces that "produce synergistic effects in a multi-dimensional space," according to curator Toshio Shimizu.

The first section of the gallery is dedicated to an installation by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.

Air Bricks is constructed out a large number of inflatable modules made out of a biodegradable plastic-like material called "ETFE film."

This is the first time this material has been used in a 3-D art installation.

The modules are all connected to each other via plastic pipes, and air is pumped from generators through the whole structure, giving the creation its form.

The artist looks to create a space wherein air and light are kept within, while still permeating the outside.

"In other words, he creates a space with both clarity and ambiguity, where humans and the universe (nature) are not completely separated," reads the accompanying text.

The structure has a strong organic quality because of the modular, connected, cell-like construction and the continuous movement caused by the air being pumped through.

The white and yellow lighting and the almost transparent, though creased nature of the material gives a sort of crystalline effect.

"I imagine it as some sort of self-replicating entity," said Steven Marvell, a visitor at the exhibition.

"I am half expecting another module to pop out of the top. I'm enjoying Kuma's artwork the more I consider whether I want to destroy it or not. You want to rip it to shreds with a knife, but at the same time, it has a protective, womb-like quality to it," he added.

An interesting side note: written in a tiny font, Kuma contributes the following text to his display: "To replace the Westernized and the highly mechanical wholeness built upon rigid hierarchy, the theme of architecture in 21st century cities will be to obtain an Asian-type entirety based upon more flexibility and changeability … this cell is a modest experiment to take one step forward in this movement."

Indian-born sculptor Anish Kapoor's contribution to the show is a piece entitled State of Limbo, which consists of large spheres made from painted resin that are attached to the walls in such a way that it appears they are floating in mid-air.

Rendered mostly shining black, with a few grey ones dotted about, the piece intends to create what the artist refers to as "zero space." While this notion is not clear-ly explained by the exhibition text, the work intends to dominate both its immediate environment and those standing within the space.

There is also a curious feeling of movement within the work due to the gravity-defying positioning of the spheres; you almost expect them to start moving about the room.

The opening day was a poor time to view Kapoor's piece as it requires a very minimalist environment for the spheres to generate their looming, imposing quality.

A small section of Air Bricks by Kengo Kuma. Photos: Courtesy of Shanghai Gallery of Art

Too many people, speakers playing jazz music and wine glasses chinking somewhat ruined the experience. The Global Times recommends that you view this exhibit when there are few other visitors around (preferably on your own) in order to maximize the impact of the piece.

Li Chen, a fine arts student, told the Global Times: "The spheres make me think of those spherical cameras you find in shopping malls. There is a strange sense of being watched by the exhibition. I find myself projecting a sort of consciousness onto the objects."

Kapoor is one the preeminent sculptors in the world and has exhibited works at many of the top international galleries. Recently he has shown works at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Museo Guggenheim de Arte Modernoy Contemporáneo in Bilbao, and Millennium Park in Chicago.

The third piece in the exhibition is a table by Shiro Kuramata, a famed product designer who passed away 20 years ago.

Bon Appétit is a surprising inclusion in this exhibition, standing awkwardly between two expansive installations.

Although curator Toshio Shimizu suggested that Kuramata "removes the physicality from daily objects," though truth be told, there is a whiff of IKEA about it.

At the exhibition's opening it was obvious that this thought also crossed the mind of a number of guests about using it as a resting place for their free glasses of wine.

Date: Until August 8, 11 am to 9 pm

Venue: Shanghai Gallery of Art

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Address: 3/F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshandongyi Road

中山东一路3号外滩三号3楼

Admission: Free

Call 6321-5757 for details