The specter of mold haunting museum collections underscores a fundamental tension in the art world: the relentless battle against decay. From ancient preservation techniques to modern conservation, humans have strived to conquer impermanence. Yet, paradoxically, this struggle has fueled artistic innovation.

Impermanence challenges traditional notions of ownership and value, delving into the nature of existence itself. Gala Porras-Kim embraces this concept, defying expectations by incorporating living mold into her work. Out of an Instance of Expiration Comes a Perennial Showing is a bold statement against the museum's role as a preserver of artifacts. Inspired by the Process Art movement, Porras-Kim uses mold to explore entropy. This work critiques institutions, specifically the British Museum where the mold spore originates from, whose colonial legacy and current practices ironically contribute to the decay it aims to prevent.

Porras-Kim stages a dialectic relationship between human intention and nature's force by creating a controlled environment for mold growth. The mold’s lifecycle mirrors the artist's performance as the mold evolves, dies, and regenerates as a new work. This cyclical nature challenges the static perception of art, inviting viewers to witness a dynamic process rather than a finished product. Porras-Kim questions the boundaries of art, challenging our perception of value and control. Ultimately, Porras-Kim's mold piece invites us to reconsider our relationship with art and the natural world. By embracing impermanence, she forces us to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, observing its transformation and recognizing the inevitable cycle of creation and decay.

Out of an Instance of Expiration Comes a Perennial Showing is a testament to the power of nature and a poignant critique of institutional preservation. It challenges us to see beyond the static object and embrace art's dynamic, ever-changing nature.

About:

Asher Hoffman is a Jerusalem-born Denver resident. He has experience advising animators, digital painters, and nonprofits in WEB3 and is currently working on his Bachelor's in Art History at CU Denver. He is an alumni of MCA Denver’s Creators Studio program and is currently an intern at K Contemporary Gallery in Denver, Colorado. Check out Asher's portfolio at www.asherhoffmanart.com.