ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Casey Curran's Kinetic Sculptures Reveal Their Mechanics

artist · 2026-05-05

American artist Casey Curran, based in Seattle, creates kinetic sculptures from simple materials like wood, feathers, wire, and iron and brass sheets. These works conceal complex mechanisms that simulate life, with plants moving, swaying, and sprouting via manual cranks or motors. His piece Bequeath these Seeds (2016) was created for the Bellevue Arts Museum biennial. Curran states he aims to eliminate any sense of magic, wanting viewers to see every lever and pulley.

Key facts

  • Casey Curran is an American artist based in Seattle.
  • His sculptures use materials like wood, feathers, wire, and iron and brass sheets.
  • The works contain hidden mechanisms that simulate life.
  • Plants move, sway, and sprout via manual cranks or motors.
  • Bequeath these Seeds was created in 2016 for the Bellevue Arts Museum biennial.
  • Curran dislikes the 'magic' effect of computer-based art.
  • He wants viewers to see every lever, pulley, and interaction between parts.
  • The article was written by Valentina Tanni.

Entities

Artists

  • Casey Curran

Institutions

  • Bellevue Arts Museum
  • Artribune
  • In the Make

Locations

  • Seattle
  • United States

Sources