The 1992 exhibition, which examined the technological transformation of daily life, now finds fresh relevance in an era of virtual reality and artificial enhancement.
Opening at Jeffrey Deitch Los Angeles, this revival brings together 36 artists spanning different generations. Original contributors including Damien Hirst, Kiki Smith, and Cindy Sherman share the space with contemporary voices, creating a dialogue between past and present perspectives on technological evolution.
The exhibition arrives at a distinct moment in cultural history. As social media filters alter self-perception and weight-loss medications reshape bodies, 'Post Human' questions traditional representations of human form and identity. The works examine how digital tools and medical advances have shifted our understanding of what it means to be human.
Among the notable installations, Josh Kline presents office workers wrapped in plastic, addressing anxieties about workplace automation. Anna Uddenburg's sculptural chairs explore the relationship between ergonomic design and social media performance, while Paul McCarthy's forest scene depicts human figures caught between natural and artificial environments.
The exhibition maintains its original focus on transformation and multiplicity. Hajime Sorayama's chrome-finished figures and Jordan Wolfson's digital interventions exemplify the show's exploration of modified human forms. Urs Fischer's contributions further examine the boundaries between organic and synthetic existence.
Contemporary additions to the exhibition reflect current technological developments. Where the 1992 show anticipated future changes, the 2024 version examines present realities: biometric surveillance, digital body modification, and the increasing integration of technology into human biology.
The gallery notes that the exhibited works consider "the cultured body" as a lens through which to examine contemporary issues. From surgical enhancement to digital avatars, the pieces reflect ongoing debates about authenticity and identity in an increasingly virtual world.
Location and Details:
- Venue: Jeffrey Deitch Los Angeles, 925 N. Orange Drive
- Duration: Through January 18, 2025
- Featured Artists: 36 participants including both original contributors and new additions
The exhibition documents the evolution of human-technology relationships across three decades, from early digital experimentation to current developments in biotechnology and virtual reality. As visitors move through the space, they encounter works that challenge conventional definitions of human existence and question the future of physical form.
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.