Gold, nickel, ruthenium, steel pins, plastic, foam, wood, plexiglass, and paint
72 × 72 × 6.25 in.
Search of New Systems (2016) is an innovative series that uses thousands of gold-cast parts from toy model kits of tanks, planes and machinery to create sculptural gestures representing both real and imaginary geographies. This ongoing project exemplifies Kaino’s practice of disassembling and reassembling, anchoring his artistic exploration in layered histories and complex narratives.
In this work, Kaino focuses on specific cities, including Los Angeles and Cairo, as points of departure to re-inscribe their histories and re-chart distinct places. He selects areas of these terrains that often hold contradictory historical narratives,
layering various accounts and relationships to propose new interpretations of each site.
For instance, Los Angeles features a structure reminiscent of a cancer cell, representing both Dodger Stadium and the displaced communities of Chavez Ravine. In Cairo, the work inscribes the movements of people through Tahrir Square, particularly during the 18-day Lotus Revolution.
Kaino’s sculptural language invites viewers to engage with the complexities of identity, history and place, prompting reflection on the interconnectedness of communities and the evolving narratives that shape urban landscapes.