Eduardo Paolozzi's 'The Metallization of a Dream' at Clearing, Brussels examines technology's dystopian effects.

From January 17 to March 14, 2020, Clearing in Brussels showcased 'Eduardo Paolozzi: The Metallization of a Dream,' which included sculptures, prints, and animations created between 1963 and 1975. Recognized as a pioneer of Pop art, the Scottish artist explored the psychological impacts of technology despite his mixed feelings about the label. His 1967 screenprint series Universal Electronic Vacuum features vivid psychedelic imagery, while War Games Revised portrays missiles akin to model kits, echoing the fears of the Vietnam War era. The 1970 suite Conditional Probability Machine presents scientific visuals, such as irradiated mice and crash dummies, implying that technological advancements can lead to barbarism. Paolozzi's mechanomorphic sculptures, like Parrot (1964) and Pan Am (1966), were initially commissioned for a playground, reflecting the belief that art should be accessible. He described his creations as a 'health warning for an uncreative and thriftless society,' critiquing the rationalized psychopathy of Western civilization. The exhibition's title derives from a 1964 artist book addressing human-machine interactions, revealing the lost utopian aspirations of the 1960s avant-garde. Compared to today’s cybercapitalism, Paolozzi’s outlook, influenced by the Independent Group's interdisciplinary approach alongside Richard Hamilton, seems more hopeful.