The Amphisbaenic Ones

A collaborative installation by Jared Theis and Kristina Austi

In The Amphisbaenic Ones, a surreal gathering of hybrid creatures inhabit an enigmatic space, blurring the boundaries between mythology, materiality, and contemporary imagination. Created in collaboration between Theis and Austi, the work merges sculpture and textiles, the physical and the woven, the digital and the handcrafted, reflecting an evolving dialogue between tradition and creativity.

Both artists are deeply engaged in the exploration of mythological and grotesque forms yet approach them from different perspectives. Jared a multidisciplinary artist, constructs sculptural elements that define the physical presence of the creatures, while Kristina, working in textiles, weaves surfaces that shape their surroundings. Their distinct yet complementary approaches fuel an ongoing exchange of ideas, inspiring each other throughout the process.

As part of their collaboration, AI was introduced as a tool, fed with their own imagery and previous works, to generate new visual interpretations and explore further possibilities. While these digital sketches informed the creative process, thefinal works took on their own direction, shaped by their respective practices’ tactile and intuitive nature.

Both Theis and Austi have long incorporated strange, otherworldly figures in their works—Jared through sculptural storytelling and Kristina through woven mythologies. In this installation, their shared fascination materializes in an assemblage of uncanny forms, evoking ancient narratives while remaining distinctly contemporary.

Kristina’s website can be found at: https://austikristina.com

Size: Variable (ca (H) 200 cm x (W) 300 cm x (D) 300 cm. Materials: wool, linen and polyester threads, discarded warps, plaster, epoxy, paint, carpet tiles, curtain rods.
Technique: Jacquard Weaving, handmade sculpture.
Year of production: 2025