Glenn Kaino’s work carefully balances formal and conceptual concerns as the artist combines an often unexpected hybrid of materials in order to best communicate an idea, history, or system that might be less effective with traditional art media. For his FOCUS exhibition, Kaino has created a new body of work with the overarching themes of time and space colonization. The presentation includes pin drawings, an animatronic installation that responds to viewers, and a frozen sculptural portrait of the moon. Kaino’s ability to dart from one material to another stems from his diverse background and interests; he was educated as a sculptor, but has also been trained in magic, software development, and other pursuits that he has funneled into his artistic research and work.

Kaino’s assemblage process is akin to that of “kitbashing,” when parts in a model kit are used innovatively to create something different than the project proposed by the set. His ability to dart from one material to another reflects his background and divergent interests; trained as a sculptor, he has also been involved in magic, software development, and other technological pursuits.