Ian Burns’ kinetic constructions and dioramas resemble eccentric homemade computer or home entertainment systems cobbled together from cheap wood, junk found on the street, and assorted eBay treasures. From such humble elements, he crafts a series of shadow theatre-like moving scenes whose simple yet often convoluted mechanisms are laid open to view. The constructions are hilarious and fascinating, and often include a participative element that sets up a controlled, absurd viewing circumstance.

For this, his first solo show in New York, Ian will be showing several new series of sculptures. There will be a new set of proscenium pieces that can be walked around revealing alternatively the projected image on screen and the primitive mechanics that create the shadow-illusion. Alongside, three new video “trompe l’oeil” works feature familiar genre landscapes that appear to be straight video pieces, but are magically conjured out of next to nothing.

Ian Burns was born in Australia and received an MFA from Hunter College, New York in 2003. Ian has participated in exhibitions at Smack Mellon, Brooklyn; The Sculpture Center, Long Island City; and Gigantic Art Space, ABC NoRio, and Cuchifritos, New York. This year Ian was represented in Greater New York at PS1, with The Epic Tour, his large train car-like installation. Spencer Brownstone Gallery will also be presenting a solo project by the artist at Art Basel Miami in December.