In Practice: Thomas Tait

Mar–Apr 2027

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Sponsors

Thomas Tait, Mechano-Vegetal World ([Ru(bipy)3]2+), 2023. Silicone, wood, found objects, foam, metal, UV grow light, moss, and cabbage. 94 × 72 × 48 inches. Courtesy the artist. Photo: Paula De Martino

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Immersed in the language of puppetry, Thomas Tait’s work borrows world-building methods from set design and kinetics thinking from performance. Often held in the fragile equilibrium of a complex system, Tait’s figurines are composed of found and organic materials. The visibility of the inner supporting structure and the unpredictability of their movement suggests an interiority to the figurines, inviting ontological speculation. For In Practice, Tait will develop a marionette pulley system organized around a central armature. By amplifying the friction within the installation, Tait’s DIY engineering explores whether a conscious "ghost" can arise from a structural apparatus.

In Practice: Thomas Tait is curated by Sharon X. Liu, Asymmetry Curatorial Fellow and Jovanna Venegas, Curator.

Sponsors

In Practice is made possible by the Elaine Graham Weitzen Commissioning Fund for Emerging Artists, which supports the production of new work by artists selected from SculptureCenter's annual open call. This landmark endowment established in 2024 reflects Elaine Graham Weitzen’s (1920-2017) lifelong commitment to emerging artists and her enthusiastic support of new ideas in art. Weitzen served as a devoted Trustee of SculptureCenter from 1987 to 2017.

Major support for the In Practice program is provided by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.

Generous support for In Practice is provided by Sarah Elson.

The SculptureCenter Asymmetry Curatorial Fellowship is made possible by Asymmetry.