At the Blanton Museum of Art, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of “Uncanny Valley,” an exhibit featuring the innovative works of twin brothers Nikolai and Simon Haas. This captivating display will be available for viewing until January 17, showcasing a stunning strawberry tree crafted from 500,000 tiny blue beads, surrounded by an ecosystem filled with whimsical creatures and porcelain foliage.
Known for their imaginative sculptures and furnishings that blend materials like bronze, glass, and fur, the Haas twins revisit their artistic journey in this exhibition, which serves as a midcareer retrospective. Carter Foster, the museum’s chief curator and deputy director of collections, praised the exhibit for its exceptional craftsmanship and creativity, stating, “The work is incredibly well crafted and very imaginative, and it brings a lot of joy.” He emphasized the relatable nature of the art, which resonates with audiences despite its fantastical elements.
The sculptures featured in “Uncanny Valley” reflect the unique world the brothers have developed over the past 15 years. Foster noted that the techniques employed in their creations play a significant role in their artistic evolution. For instance, after discovering the potential of beads for crafting leaves, they were inspired to create the intricate strawberry tree for display at the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas.
This exhibition marks the first major showcase of the Haas brothers’ work in Austin, a city they fondly remember from their youth. The exhibit’s title is derived from roboticist Masahiro Mori’s 1970 concept, which explores the unsettling feelings people experience when encountering nearly human-like nonhuman entities. Simon Haas remarked during the Blanton’s media preview, “When the robot becomes too human, empathy switches to revulsion. The solution for this is to add cuteness: when a robot is humanoid with an extra dose of cuteness, empathy for the object skyrockets.” He highlighted that the theme of the “uncanny valley” has emerged as a focal point throughout their 15-year career.
The Haas brothers’ creations blend the familiar with the extraordinary, featuring fictional creatures, plants, and objects that reflect their upbringing in a city known for its quirky charm. Foster noted their deep connection to the creative spirit of Austin, recalling how they were influenced by the city’s unique culture in the 1990s. “They used to go to Eeyore’s birthday party and they went to Pease Park all the time,” he added. “We feel like we are hopefully connected to the creative spirit of Austin too as an art museum.”
“Haas Brothers: Uncanny Valley” is currently on display at the Blanton Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into the imaginative realm crafted by these local artists until January 17.
