ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ant Hamlyn's Squished Polyurethane Flowers Channel Y2K Optimism in Stuttgart

exhibition · 2026-06-16

Ant Hamlyn's solo exhibition 'Soft // Chrome' at Better Go South in Stuttgart presents squished polyurethane flowers and mushrooms encased in Plexiglas, channeling Y2K and early 2000s aesthetics. The works combine hand-sewn metallic fabrics, fiber stuffing, and polyurethane-coated fabric, invoking a 'liquid metal' look that reflects past tech optimism and present digital anxieties. The exhibition is on view by appointment.

Key facts

  • Ant Hamlyn's solo exhibition 'Soft // Chrome' is at Better Go South in Stuttgart.
  • The works are squished polyurethane flowers and mushrooms between Plexiglas panels.
  • Materials include hand-sewn metallic fabrics, fiber stuffing, polyurethane-coated fabric, upholstered architectural fiberboard, extruded acrylic, and stainless steel fixings.
  • The aesthetic references Y2K and early 2000s computer graphics, sci-fi, and teen punk.
  • Better Go South describes the work as 'celebrating our human capacity to find beauty and connection even within the most manufactured environments.'
  • The exhibition is available by appointment.
  • Works include 'Soft // Chrome Pink Daisies', 'Soft // Chrome Forget-Me-Nots', 'Soft // Chrome Mushrooms', 'Red Hot Pokers', 'Soft // Chrome Fly Traps', 'Daisy Bouquet', and 'Soft // Chrome Purple Asters'.
  • Dimensions vary, e.g., 60 x 40 x 7 cm for many pieces.

Entities

Artists

  • Ant Hamlyn

Institutions

  • Better Go South
  • Colossal

Locations

  • Stuttgart
  • Germany

Sources