Max Athans 3D-printed sound sculptures hybridise human and animal, doll and machine, in ways that are confusing and uncanny, intriguing and repellent. In Breathmachine, a bellows is connected to multiple horns. In Dogwhistle, a human torso is joined to a dog’s head, which conceals a single horn. It recalls the Egyptian god Anubis or suggests an unethical science experiment. The horns in both works are visibly activated using articulated joints and latex lungs, with the works swelling and craning before releasing their semi-musical exhalations. Like early automata, the sculptures are limited to repetitive gestures, which fill the space with audible breath, living through their ability to keep breathing.

Breathform is Athan’s first solo exhibition in a major institution, awarded as the 2025 recipient of the Jeremy Hynes Award.