Never Realised Sculptures_Nonstrop

Solo exhibition, Nonstrop Gallery, Jihlava, 2025

The collection of Never Realized Sculptures presents sculptural objects that are still only in the stage of visualized ideas and remain in digital form. The project loosely follows on from the exhibition in the virtual gallery VIR, where it was possible to view the sculptures from the comfort of one’s home. However, in the Nonstrop Gallery, the objects are confronted with public space in a 2D version (printed shower curtains) with the option of augmented reality, which allows, using a smartphone, to view the objects in the gallery space. This technology allows working with the space in any way and at the same time there is no need to worry that the sculptures will be demolished or exposed to adverse weather. The virtual space allows the sculptor to create almost anything and does not have to limit himself in his creation, and there is also no risk that a random passerby will be confronted with a sculpture that would normally offend him. Each passerby can choose whether to display the object on their mobile phone and view the sculpture or to stay with the 2D visualization of the object, or just walk down the alley.

The very form of the so-called Circulations is based on the consideration of recurring events in everyday life, created by a suitable form, for example, influenced by a command in the program. In general, it can be said that the work struggles with stereotypes and how to deviate from them. The objects thus follow these processes using closed loop shapes that do not end or begin anywhere, but circulate around and around. These objects are covered with “home-made” textures that we can find in everyday rituals of maternity leave, such as feeding baby food, washing toys in soapy water, glitching the TV, oil stains in puddles while walking with a stroller around the river or painting nails when a child falls asleep. Everything is printed on shower curtains that were chosen to fit into the context of the alley, where the fabric resembles drying laundry and at the same time this material should resonate with the overall idea of ​​sculptures created in a home environment. The last layer of graphics are photographs from a trip to Ireland, which enhance the nostalgic impression of the unrealized sculptures. The installation should tear the viewer out of their stereotype and force them to perhaps even take a break from the daily routine of searching for sculptures in the alley, as we know it, for example, when searching for Pokémon.

To view the sculptures, use this link: https://ar.zuzanabartosova.com/

Or scan the QR codes that are located in the alley. Open the link and wait 5 seconds for the sculptures to load and enjoy!

Created in collaboration with Martin Bartoš, who is the author of the technical side of the augmented reality tour.