Yoan Capote
Open Mind
Open Mind is a model created by Capote for a traversable public maze that, when seen from above, resembles the human brain. Because individual movement through the maze echoes the movement of neurons and a larger aggregated whole, visitors can be seen to enact a model of sociality and public space that both embodies and metaphorizes social consciousness. Capote’s model shows not just the proposed structure, but features figurines as well, to illustrate the possible scale and interactivity of the final piece.
Yoan Capote’s sculptural work often resembles but alters common forms, such as shoes, ladders, and furniture. Many of Capote’s pieces deal with Cuba and its relationship to the United States, referring to economic and cultural ties. His work also has a strong erotic element, depicting desire both between the countries and embodied sexuality. This facet of Capote’s work combines with and changes the minimalist forms that his pieces often assume, subverting their spareness.